A vegan diet comes with very many science-based health benefits. One of them is that it is richer in certain nutrients compared to a meat and animal-product based one. Adopting a vegan diet means eliminating meat and animal products and replacing them with a higher intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds among other plant-based foods. In as much as the vegan diet is abundant in certain important nutrients, there are some nutrients that cannot be obtained in adequate amounts from a plant-based diet and can only be found in vegan supplements. Vegan supplements contain nutrients or combinations of nutrients that account for the nutrients lost when entire food groups are eliminated from one’s diet. Below are some of the nutrients found in vegan supplements. If you are a vegan, you should definitely have these supplements in your diet:
Vitamin B12
This is a nutrient produced by the bacteria that have become scarce in the human body. These bacteria still exist in the intestinal tracts of animals. Since vegans cannot eat animal products, they need to use store-bought vitamin B12 vegan supplements to meet the recommended daily dose. Vitamin B12 promotes healthy nerves and blood cells.
There are two types of vitamin D, Vitamin D2 that is found in plants and Vitamin D3 that is found in animals and is more potent. Vitamin D contributes heavily to good bone health and a strong immune system. Although sources like fortified orange juice, cereals, soy milk, and mushrooms can supply your vegan diet with vitamin D, it is still not sufficient, especially if you are subjected to very limited sunlight. Vitamin D3 vegan supplements come in handy to help your diet meet your body’s need for the nutrient.
Protein
When we think of protein, we immediately associate it with meat, which is mostly but not completely true. There are very many plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, whole grains, soy, nuts, and seeds. If your diet does not adequately provide your body with the necessary amount of amino acids that make up protein, then incorporating protein vegan supplements into your diet is the surest way to go.
Omega-3 and DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids assist the body to maintain the right inflammatory response. They also help with brain and nerve health. Some great vegan sources for these fatty acids are flax, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and hemp. The problem with consuming omega-3 acids from plant-based sources is that your body may not be properly converting these fats to provide appropriate levels of DHA and EPA. It is recommended that you take algae-based omega supplements.
Calcium
Fortunately for the vegan, there are very many brands of soy and almond milk which are rich in calcium. Drinking these products daily coupled with the frequent eating of tofu, kales, soybeans, and white beans will help you maintain high levels of calcium which is necessary for bone strengthening. If, however, you are not adequately receiving calcium in your diet, you may need to throw in some calcium supplements to fill the gap.
Other necessary nutrients that you can obtain through vegan supplements are iron, zinc, riboflavin, and iodine among others. Take a look at our vegan supplements to find the right ones for you.