Many people go on a vegan diet in an effort to live a healthier life and decrease their risk of disease. A vegan diet, however, is low in many nutrients, like vitamin B-12, which are usually found in dairy products. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who choose to eat a vegan or vegetarian diet. Vegan diets have become more popular because they promote kindness towards animals and a respect for the environment. In this article, find out about some of the most popular vegan supplements and why they’re beneficial.
Vitamin B-12 is a vital nutrient for maintaining health, and most vegans are not getting enough of it. Recent studies have shown that vegan supplements can help vegans receive the proper amounts of vitamin B-12. Some vitamins, like vitamin D and C are naturally found in fruits and vegetables. However, most vegans don’t consume enough of those foods to meet recommended daily intakes. Supplementing with vitamin B-12 helps prevent deficiencies.
Vitamin D, or beta-carotene, is another nutrient that some vegetarians aren’t getting enough of. Because some vegetarians are considered higher risk for developing certain cancers and heart diseases, researchers have been looking at the benefits of vitamin D for years. Vegan supplements may help lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of stroke in vegans. In one study, women who supplemented with vitamin D were less likely to develop colon cancer.
Iron is another important nutrient that is frequently overlooked by vegans. Iron is required for a number of body functions, including metabolizing energy in the cells and preparing the body for the next meal. Most vegans aren’t getting enough iron, primarily because of their lack of exposure to animal products or processed foods. Vegan supplements can help increase the amount of iron in the diet, which allows for a more active lifestyle and better absorption of other nutrients. Some supplements also help control blood levels of iron, which can prevent anemia in people without a diet rich in red meat and other animal products.
Folic acid is another common deficiency. Women often experience a deficiency due to the fact that they typically eat red meat, eggs, or other animal products that are high in folic acid. An increase in the intake of plant-based foods, including green leafy vegetables, lentils, and whole grains can greatly increase the amount of folic acid in a person’s diet. Foods that contain a large amount of folate include wheat, beans, spinach, and prunes. Supplements can also be purchased to add to a diet, which often contain high amounts of folic acid.
Another common problem among vegans is a lack of protein, which is usually found in eggs, fish, nuts, and legumes. However, several plant-based foods, like nuts, beans, soy, and flax seeds, are great sources of protein. These supplements can provide up to the necessary amounts of protein that vegans and vegetarians usually do not get from their diets.
A third nutritional concern among vegans and vegetarians is a lack of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to remove waste, toxins, and excess sugar from the digestive tract. Some plant-based supplements, like psyllium husks, are effective in increasing the amount of dietary fiber that a person ingests. There are several other powders and pills available to help increase the amount of dietary fiber in a person’s diet. Most of these supplements contain chromium picolinate, an ingredient that is found in certain vitamin C products.
The last nutrient group that is often overlooked among vegans is a lack of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is needed for the production of several vitamins in the body, including energy, tissue maintenance, and cell division. A study on people who had a Vitamin B-12 deficiency showed that their chances of developing several diseases were much higher than those who did not have a deficiency. Since many people do not eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, a supplement may be necessary for some people. Most vitamin B 12 supplements are available over the counter, but a person still may want to talk to a doctor before taking a vitamin b-12 supplement. A doctor can determine the best course of action when it comes to a vegan vitamin b-12 deficiency.
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