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Vitamin deficits have many causes. They can be due to environmental factors, health conditions (like anemia), medication, pregnancy, age, gender, social factors and education surrounding nutrition, taking the wrong types of supplements, or even taking supplements that are not shelved properly.
Another huge factor is the type of diet you are on. Vegans are especially vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies, because much of the average person’s nutrients come from animal products. This is compounded by the fact that many vitamin supplements aren’t vegan, so it’s harder for people on this diet to maintain optimal health.
The first thing you can do is make sure you consult your medical provider to ensure you are bridging the gaps and take quality, vegan-friendly supplements that fit your lifestyle.
Here are five nutrient deficits that are common amongst vegans. It’s important to supplement these if you notice you are not meeting the requirements.
Vitamin B-12
B-12 is incredibly important—you need it to live and replicate DNA, among many other things. It’s easy to lack the proper intake of this B vitamin, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian. This is because B-12 is found in animal products, like eggs, dairy, meat, etc.
The only consumable plant B-12 is found in is some edible mushroom and algae species. So, if you are a vegan or even vegetarian eating minimal animal products, it is very likely you are deficient.
Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol)
Also known as retinol, preformed vitamin A is found in a lot of animal products like dairy, meat, and eggs. Vegans should be extra mindful of incorporating pre-formed vitamin A in their supplement routine, as it is essential for a healthy skeletal system, mucus membranes, skin, and eye health.
Iron
Iron is a mineral important for physical endurance, strength, and vitality. Iron is essential for blood to carry oxygen through your body. It’s also necessary to create blood cells in general, hence why a shortage of iron = higher risk of conditions like anemia.
Most people get it through meat products, but iron is abundant in certain vegetables as well. It’s important for vegans to look for iron-rich foods and supplements due to the fact that most Americans get the majority of iron from animal products.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for a strong immune system, fast wound-healing, and childhood development. The human body doesn’t store zinc, so you have to get a daily recommended amount through food and supplements sources. Vegans need to make it a point to get enough zinc, because the majority of people who eat meat consume it via animal products.
Calcium + Vitamin D3
Calcium is widely known as being associated with bone growth and strength, as well as connection with protecting against osteoporosis and brittle bones in old age. Many vegans need to take a calcium supplement due to dairy products being the popular source.
Take a calcium supplement with a vitamin D3 supplement to help your body absorb it better, as a D3 deficiency will render any calcium supplement ineffective.
Easy-to-Digest Vegan Vitamins
Solid, chalky horse pills or large gel capsules can take a toll on your stomach and take longer to absorb. It’s important to find the right vegan-friendly supplement if you are looking to bridge nutrition gaps in your diet.
Try our vegan EZ Melts multivitamin or any vitamin from the list above. They melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need.
In addition, we ensure that our vitamins are non-GMO, gluten free, and free of harmful or excess chemical additives and sweeteners.
Just check out our ingredients listed on the bottle, and feel better knowing you are supporting your best health. Thanks for being a part of our community!
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Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens