Are Vegetarian Multi-Vitamins Suitable for Vegans As Well?

Refraining from consuming any animal products or byproducts does not necessarily guarantee good health outcomes. Here’s what you need to know about taking vegetarian multivitamins to stay as nourished as possible.

Are Vegetarian Multivitamins Suitable for Vegans As Well? 

Whether a vegetarian dietary supplement is suitable for vegans depends on its ingredients. If there is a vegetarian multivitamin you plan on purchasing, make sure it is free from egg and milk, like Multi.

What Micronutrients Do Vegans Usually Lack? 

Vitamin B-12

Vegans have a particularly high risk of suffering from vitamin B-12 deficiency. When deciding which multivitamin to buy, you should ensure it has plenty of this micronutrient because it is vital for such bodily processes as: 

• Maintaining a healthy nervous system
• Metabolizing proteins
• Forming red blood cells

While most food sources containing vitamin B-12 are animal products or byproducts, there are some vegan foods and drinks that contain the vitamin. For instance, you can increase your intake of vitamin B-12 by drinking fortified non-dairy milk. You can also eat fortified breakfast cereals and add nutritional yeast to your salad or tofu.

Zinc

Vegans may also need to supplement their zinc intake to help maintain optimal health. This micronutrient is rarely found in plants, so you may not be getting enough of it in your diet. If you are deficient in this micronutrient, you may experience problems with your immune system or metabolism.

Iodine

Getting enough iodine in your diet is essential if you suspect you have thyroid problems. Some people can get enough of this micronutrient by consuming edible seaweed and iodized salt regularly. However, it is not uncommon for vegans to be deficient in this nutrient and need a dietary supplement containing it.

Calcium

There is also a chance that you suffer from calcium deficiency if you do not consume dairy products. This essential nutrient helps with tooth and bone formation, heart health, and muscle function.

You should strongly consider purchasing a multivitamin containing this nutrient to help bolster your health. You also should consider eating more legumes and dark, leafy greens.

Vitamin D

You also may need to supplement your intake of vitamin D if you follow a vegan diet. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get enough vitamin D by spending around a third of an hour in the afternoon sun daily. However, if you wear sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer, your body may not be able to produce enough of this vitamin.

Vitamin D plays many important roles in your body, including helping with the absorption of calcium, phosphorous, and other nutrients. It is also very important for mood regulation and the function of your immune system.

Some multivitamins, like Multi, are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. Drop us a line at Panacea Scientific for help picking out the best dietary supplements for your unique needs.