Top 6 Vegan Supplements
One thing that concerns people about transitioning into a vegan lifestyle is that they might not get all the vitamins and minerals they will need from an entirely plant-based diet. If you have such concerns, then taking some supplements can help you. To find out, if you really need to take supplements, you should consult a professional personal trainer or nutritionist.
Here are some vegan supplements that you can help to ensure that your body receives all the nutrients it needs even if your diet is solely plant-based:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for your body, especially if you are a vegan since there are very limited vegan sources of it. This vitamin is essential because of the role it plays in the formation of healthy red blood cells.
By taking this supplement, you will have enough Vitamin B12 to metabolize plant protein and sustain a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin D
Although you can get plenty of this vitamin through safe sun exposure during the spring and summer months, it is hard to get by the colder months of the year.
Unfortunately, for vegans, it is also difficult to get ample amounts of Vitamin D. Because of that, you may need to take a supplement to supply your body with sufficient amounts of it.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid is a good source of healthy fats needed by the body to function properly. A vegan diet is typically high in certain types of fatty acids, but it is severely lacking in others.
Unfortunately, the ones lacking, like ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), are the most important. It is the reason why Omega-3 fatty acid supplement is one of those supplements that a vegan like you should take.
Iron
There are two types of iron – the heme and the non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from the meat while non-heme comes from plant-based foods.
Heme iron is much more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron. While you can find plants with a lot of non-heme iron, it would take time to digest them properly, so your best choice is to take an iron supplement.
Zinc
Just like iron, you can get an abundance of zinc from animal-based foods. With that in mind, you may face challenges in getting enough of it if you switch to a completely plant-based diet. You don’t have to worry, though, as you can find zinc supplements.
With a good supply of zinc, your body will be able to improve the functions of its immune system. Zinc also contributes to quick wound healing and hormone production regulation.
Calcium
Calcium is most likely the one vital nutrient that vegans lack. This nutrient is important because it promotes healthy bone and teeth formation. It also helps in the proper functioning of muscles and maintaining a healthy heart rate.
You can find some vegetables that contain calcium, like dark, leafy vegetables, like bok choy, watercress, and mustard greens. However, they are not nearly enough to fulfill your daily requirements, so taking a calcium supplement can help.
By taking these vegan supplements, you no longer have to worry about your body being deficient in a specific nutrient. You will get all the nutrients you need, thereby allowing you to maximize the positive effects of your vegan diet.
