A vegan diet is generally low in certain nutrients, including vitamin B-12, which are primarily found in animal products like meat. Many vegans also do not eat any dairy products or eggs. Vegan supplements provide an easy way for most people to receive enough of those important nutrients. This particular vitamin helps support a healthy brain, plays a role in red blood cell formation, and helps metabolize proteins.
One of the main nutrients lacking in a vegan diet is iodine. Iodine is needed for the absorption of b12. Therefore, any reduction in iodine can seriously affect a person’s health. Fortunately, a vegan supplement can replace iodine in the diet. Iodine deficiency can be associated with anemia, poor bone health and in pregnant women, the hormone iodine has been known to increase the risk of miscarriage.
Another important nutrient lacking in a vegan diet is folic acid. Folic acid is essential for cell division and is essential for red blood cell production. A lack of folic acid can cause defects in newborns, so vegan supplements can help prevent defects and birth defects. Folic acid is found in many fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin B-12 is also an important nutrient found in vegan supplements. This particular vitamin is important in converting the food eaten into energy. In addition, it supports a strong immune system and is needed to repair tissue damaged by disease and injury. Vitamin B-12 is only found in animal products, but supplements are readily available for vegans and vegetarians.
The third of the seven-day vegetarian diet is carbohydrates. A diet low in carbohydrates ensures that there is enough energy to perform daily activities. Carbohydrates can be derived from plant-based foods like beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to choose the right type of carbohydrate to add to the vegetarian diet. The BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) found in protein sources like meat and milk are the best sources of carbohydrates for a successful vegetarian diet.
A fourth nutrient lacking in vegan diets is vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps in the absorption of calcium and helps in preventing osteoporosis. A vegan diet may not adequately provide vitamin D, because too much of sunlight is not possible in some areas. Vegan supplements provide necessary amounts of vitamin D. Another important nutrient not found in plant-based diets is iodine. Iodine is needed to absorb the necessary amounts of other minerals like calcium and bromine.
A fifth nutrient that is not found in most plant-based diets is biotin. Biotin is a crucial nutrient for healthy hair and skin, nails, and the immune system. Some of the BCAAs (besides vitamin d) that also helps in the absorption of calcium and magnesium are lecithin oil, pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil and phytessence wakame. As stated earlier, vitamin d and biotin cannot be absorbed alone from food. They need to be taken as supplements to ensure the correct levels of these important nutrients.
A sixth nutrient essential to good health and a long life are vitamin C. In fact, research shows that regular consumption of vitamin C increases your chances of living longer. Vegan supplements have vitamin c included in their ingredients. This makes vegan multivitamin supplements more valuable than the usual vitamin c pills. A vegan vitamin supplement is definitely a future kind of product.
Seventh on the list of plant sources of nutrition is phytochemicals. These substances are responsible for many of the benefits that we derive from plants, including healthy skin and hair, anti-aging, and even energy. Phytochemicals are present in dark leafy green vegetables like kale, lettuce, and beet greens; as well as in nuts like walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and almonds. Other foods with this substance include tofu, hemp seeds, tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, spinach, raisins, and many others.
Nutrients are what make up the majority of the vitamins and minerals that you consume every day. There are only a few naturally occurring substances that are needed for optimal health and well being. Two of these substances are phytosterols and beta sitosterol. It helps for good health when you take a combination of a quality vitamin supplement and a comprehensive multivitamin.
If you are considering veganism or vegetarianism, you may need to become more aware of the importance of vitamins and minerals. In order to meet your recommended daily allowance of each of these substances, it may be necessary to supplement your diet with extra vitamins and minerals from plant sources. You may need a specialized supplement if you are experiencing a particular nutrient deficiency. For example, a vitamin B12 deficiency means that you will need to take a supplement.