Experts agree that the best way to get your recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals is through a balanced and diverse diet. Average people can agree that such a lofty goal might not be so easy. Between busy schedules, grab-and-go meals, and picky eaters, it’s a good idea to fill the gaps with a daily supplement or two. Vegans especially need to keep tabs on certain things that are harder to come across naturally on a plant-based diet, but everyone can benefit from a bit of nutritional assistance.
In the vast array of tablets, gummies, sprays, and liquids, what are the best bets for optimal health? More importantly, what would make one of these options unsuitable for cruelty-free consumers? Let’s take a closer look at the fine print!
While the active ingredients in most vitamins and supplements are synthesized in labs or purely plant-based, the trouble comes with the medium in which it’s packaged.
There are many other questionable components, such as Carotene, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin A, fatty acids, and more that can sometimes come from an animal source. Remove any doubt or worry from your RDA by simply seeking out companies that are transparent about their ingredients and clearly state their commitment to vegan values.
There are several essential vitamins and nutrients that are essential for all humans to get, but some are particularly necessary for vegan and vegetarian eaters to pay attention to. These include:
Everybody is different, so no single choice will be the best one for everyone. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of options on the market these days to accommodate everyone’s needs, cruelty-free.
Vegans especially need to be mindful of their Omega-3s, Vitamins B12 and D, Calcium, Iodine, Iron, and Zinc, since these can be harder to get on a plant-based diet. Consult a doctor to get your levels checked before making radical changes to your daily regime.
Kids don’t always make the most nutritious choices, so if you get stuck in a rut of plain pasta for dinner five times a week, you can still make sure they’re still getting everything they need to grow and thrive. In addition to being specifically formulated for smaller bodies, they’re often in chewable or liquid forms that are easier to swallow. Some are even downright treats!
Gummies are traditionally made using gelatin, which is not vegetarian or vegan as its made from animal skin and bones. But fret not, dear parents and adults who can’t swallow pills! Vegan gummy vitamins not only exist, but there is a growing array of options to choose from. Here are the most popular vegan gummy vitamin brands we know of:
A mom-to-be has different needs when her body becomes the support system for a new life. There are different vegan prenatal vitamin formulas designed to nourish before, during, and after vegan pregnancy to welcome your new baby in with the best health.
By far the most talked about vitamin that is essential for vegans to supplement is Vitamin B-12. We have an entire article dedicated to vegan vitamins B-12 and why it’s so important, and we encourage you to read it. The most popular forms of B-12 are sublingual vitamins (that you dissolve under your tongue), B-12 sprays, and B-12 shots (administered through your doctor’s office). Here are some widely available options:
Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for brain health. You can satisfy our needs with 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds every day or seek out an alternative source that makes it easier to check off your to-do list.
Digestive health and harmony is critical for overall wellbeing, which is why it’s always smart to add probiotics into your diet. Natural sources include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kombucha, and more. For an extra assist, check out these quick fixes:
No matter your life stage or health status, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor at least one a year for regular checkups. Review your blood levels with them to make sure you’re getting everything that you need, through food or supplements, to live a fuller life. We are not doctors, and Google is not a doctor. And doctors are not nutritionists or Registered Dietitians and often receive very limited nutrition training. We have a list of plant-based and vegan Registered Dietitians available for consultation if you need customized help!
This guide to the best vegetarian and vegan vitamins was written with support from Hannah Kaminsky. The information presented here is not to be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.
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