Collection: Vegan Supplements

Are you thinking about going vegan? Whether it's a concern for animal welfare, the planet or your health, there are many reasons people follow a vegan diet and, therefore, may require supplementation of The good Stuff vitamins and minerals. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you have a health plan for getting all the essential vitamins you need from your diet and a plan to add supplements if required. Follow along on this quick guide to vitamin supplements for vegans.

As a vegan, you need to pay special attention to your nutrient intake because getting enough of the vitamins and minerals usually provided by animal products can be challenging. Make sure you're eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy alternatives, nuts and whole grains, and focus on getting these vitamins below in your diet:

Iron

Iron is essential for producing new blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout your body. Iron found in non-meat sources can be harder to digest, but foods high in vitamin C can help absorb iron. For more iron in your vegan diet, eat beans, broccoli, wheat, and tofu. Many kinds of cereal are also fortified with iron and other vitamins.

Calcium

This mineral helps strengthen your bones and keeps them healthy. To get enough calcium, eat soybeans, dark leafy greens, and fortified alternative kinds of milk or juices. Calcium is also available as a vitamin supplement for vegans if you need it.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another essential vitamin for everyone. It helps your body absorb calcium and supports bone growth. Your body does produce vitamin D itself if you're exposed to sunlight. But if you don't get outside enough, especially in the colder months of the year, you may need to try a supplement. You can also look for fortified products like kinds of milk, juices, and some cereals.

Vitamin B12

This B vitamin helps produce blood cells. But B12 is hard to find in plant products as it's mainly in fish, shellfish, meat, and dairy. You can try eating more vitamin B12 fortified foods like soymilk, cereals and nutritional yeast or look for a supplement with B12 and other needed vitamins such as folic acid.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fatty acids support your heart and brain function, and you can find them in flaxseed meals or flaxseed oil. You can also look for fortified products of omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Protein

While it's not a vitamin, getting enough protein in a vegan diet is essential. Good protein sources include beans, soy products, nuts, seeds, and cereals (oats, wheat, rice). Eating different proteins is vital to creating amino acids that can help repair your cells.