There is a lot of debate surrounding veganism and whether or not supplements are necessary. Some people believe that you don’t need to take any supplements as long as you’re eating a balanced diet. Others feel that supplements are essential for optimal health because of the limitations of a vegan diet. So, who’s right? Thanks to Dr Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs, we’ll take a closer look at this topic.
What Are Some Common Vegan Supplements And Their Benefits?
There are a few vegan supplements that are commonly recommended. These include vitamin B12, omega-three fatty acids, iodine, and iron.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood cells and nervous system function. It’s found naturally in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Vegans may need to supplement vitamin B12 because it’s not found in plant foods.
Omega-three fatty acids
Omega-three fatty acids are essential for heart health and brain function. They’re found naturally in oily fish like salmon and tuna. Vegans can get omega-threes from algae or by taking a supplement.
Iodine
Iodine is vital for thyroid function. It’s found naturally in seafood and iodized salt. Some vegans may need to supplement with iodine if they don’t eat iodized salt or sea vegetables.
Iron
Iron is vital for carrying oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia. It’s found naturally in meat, poultry, and seafood. Vegans can get iron from plant foods like beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Do All Vegans Need To Take Supplements?
Not all vegans need to take supplements, says Dr Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs. If you’re eating a varied diet that includes plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, you’re likely getting all the nutrients your body needs. However, some vegans may need to take supplements if they’re not eating a varied diet or have certain health conditions.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Vegan Supplements?
Taking vegan supplements is generally safe. However, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you have a health condition. Some supplements can interact with medications. Some supplements can interact with drugs or be harmful in large doses.
How Can You Make Sure You’re Getting All The Nutrients Your Body Needs?
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs on a vegan diet. First, eat a variety of foods from all the food groups. This will help ensure that you’re getting a wide range of nutrients. Second, consider taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. This is especially important if you’re not eating a varied diet.
Third, eat fortified foods. Fortified foods are foods that have been enriched with nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Fortified plant milks, for example, are a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
What Should You Do If You Think You’re Not Getting Enough Nutrients From Your Food Alone?
If you think you’re not getting enough nutrients from your food alone, you should first talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you figure out if you need to take supplements and, if so, which ones are best for you. They can also help you determine if you need to take any supplements or make any changes to your diet.
Which Supplements Are Best For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Vegans?
Pregnant and breastfeeding vegans should take a daily supplement that contains vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-three fatty acids. They may also need to take an iron supplement. It’s important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before taking any supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. They can help you determine which supplements are best for you and your baby.
If you’re a big fan of digital stories, you can download your favorite stories from Storiesdown offline. All you need to do is log into your Storiesdown account, enter your username and profile URL, and then tap “profile.” Once you’ve found the Story you’re looking for, select “Download” and choose a destination folder.
If you are looking to view the stories on Instagram, you can use the Glassagram viewer. Simply type in your username and the URL of the Instagram account you wish to view. Once you have entered this, the viewer will display the contents of the public account.
Final Thoughts
While vegan supplements are not necessary for everyone, they can benefit those who don’t eat a varied diet, says Dr Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs. It’s essential to do your research and talk to a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. There are some risks associated with taking certain vegan supplements, so it’s best to know what you’re getting into before starting supplementation. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs on a vegan diet.
