6 Supplements a Vegan Should Take

6 Supplements a Vegan Should Take

The truth of the matter is that a vegan diet doesn't necessarily have to have poor nutrition because you aren't eating animal products! There are a number of healthy foods used to balance a vegan diet, and you can also rely upon a vegan supplement to get the job done.

What constitutes a vegan diet?

As a rule of thumb, vegans avoid any type of animal products. This includes dairy and eggs, so a vegan can't have cheese, yogurt, or milk products. This is primarily what differentiates a vegan from a vegetarian. Many vegans take the opportunity to eat raw foods and focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, if you are a vegan that is not eating these types of whole foods, you are doing yourself a disservice and need a vegan supplement to boost your nutrition!

As a general guide, here are the top 6 supplements to look out for as a vegan to benefit your health:

1.    Protein. A vegan absolutely need a source of protein, especially if you are not intaking dairy products. Look for vegan protein products that do not contain any animal byproducts, such as soy, hemp, or rice protein. Rice protein is beneficial for a vegan because it provides a complete protein source. This is a protein product free from animal ingredients, so it will work perfectly within a vegan diet to give the protein that your body needs to survive and function on a daily basis. If you find yourself weak and tired as a vegan, the odds are that you may not be getting the protein that you need. A helpful vegan protein supplement can be the fix that you have been looking for!

2.    Iron. A vegan diet will definitely require an iron supplement, which is something often found within meat products. Taking a regular iron supplement as a vegan will prevent anemia and fatigue since iron is necessary to the function of the body, and it provides anticancer benefits. Iron will boost energy levels within the body to improve physical stamina, which is exactly what you need to exercise and maintain endurance as a vegan athlete. Overall, iron will protect the vegan immune system, and it will provide restful and deep sleep on a nightly basis.

3.    Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for bodily functions, and it protects the health of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 can be lacking from a vegan diet, which means that a vegan vitamin B12 supplement could be necessary. This vegan vitamin will quickly enhance the diet to prevent adverse health issues, like heart disease and stroke, and a vegan can also get vitamin B12 from fortified soy milk.

4.    Calcium. Calcium is another highly important mineral necessary to the function of the body that can often be lacking within a vegan diet. If you are a vegan avoiding dairy products, it is important to have a calcium supplement to protect the health of your bones. Yes, calcium can be found for a vegan in a number of green vegetables, but a calcium supplement is necessary to prevent any risk of osteoporosis as a vegan in the future. Many people avoid milk products if they are also lactose intolerant, meaning that a vegan calcium supplement is the perfect alternative to ensure that your bones and teeth remain healthy and strong.

5.    Vitamin D. In addition, vitamin D should go hand-in-hand with a calcium supplement as a vegan. Vitamin D can be found in many fortified milk products, and it promotes calcium absorption. If you are a vegan, look for a vitamin D supplement that contains calcium as well to help protect your bones through this vitamin and mineral working together. Vitamin D can also come from outside sun exposure at 15 minutes per day.

6.    Fiber. As a vegan, you should have the opportunity to have an ample amount of fiber within your diet by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are normally staples of a vegan diet, and they offer you the opportunity to use fiber to promote healthy digestion and bodily systems. Fiber is necessary within a vegan diet to push waste through the colon, which will aid in nutrient absorption. Make sure that you are focusing on healthy and natural sources of fruits and vegetables to work as a vegan fiber source. If you don't feel that you are getting enough fiber within your diet, you can also take a vegan fiber supplement, which will provide even greater benefits in boosting the metabolism and aiding in healthy digestion.

Choose whole foods as a vegan.

Even vegans can make mistakes when it comes to nutrition. Make sure that you choose whole foods instead of processed foods for your vegan diet, which will provide the greatest nutrients and health benefits. When you couple this fresh and whole diet with a number of dependable vegan supplements, you will be set up for success in your nutritional intake!
As an example of whole foods to look for within your vegan diet, choose oatmeal, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat bread instead of white rice, bagels, pasta, and pretzels. The latter are all empty carbohydrates that do not contain enough fiber to benefit the vegan diet. These empty carbohydrates will work to temporarily boost the blood sugar, causing it to plummet and crash right away. Eating fiber rich foods and whole grains will keep your blood sugar levels elevated all day long to promote energy, focus, and stable mood levels. As a vegan, this is your opportunity to use your nutrition to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with a healthy diet that avoids animal products, but it is important to be mindful of what type of vegan foods that you include within your meals. When you use advanced vegan supplements, you can trust that your nutrition and health are protected for lifelong success!

As a vegan, you can choose top supplements to easily balance your diet to prevent any nutritional deficiencies. Even though you are abstaining from animal byproducts, these top supplements will help to safeguard your health, boost energy levels throughout the day, and maintain a healthy function in all bodily systems. These are the top vitamins that are commonly missing from a vegan diet, but with the right choice in supplements you can prevent any adverse health issues from the vegan supplement that you choose!

  • For a source of B12, try NOW B12.
  • For a complete protein source, try Progressive Harmonized Vegan Protein.
  • For an option in calcium, try North Coast Naturals Organic Calcium Powder.