The Best Supplements for Vegans
Whether you've been vegan for years or just starting your journey, an important question to ask yourself is: "What supplements should I take?". As with any diet or eating habit, there are certain aspects that may be missing depending on the variety of foods eaten. In most cases, when a large food group is excluded from the diet, there is a greater chance of missing a potentially important vitamin or mineral that could lead to a deficiency.
Aarja Health compiled a list of the best supplements to take if you're vegan so you don't have to guess!
Vitamin B12
As we mentioned, there are certain supplements that are in higher demand with specific diets. For vegans, one of the most important is vitamin B12. Since our main dietary sources of B12 are animal products, it is no surprise that vegans may see an increased risk of deficiency. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in protein metabolism and the formation of red blood cells and low levels can lead to anemia and problems with the nervous system. So when it comes to supplements, what is the best vitamin B12 for vegans? Well, we have to say our Premium B12 with blueberries tops the list! Made without lactose, GMOs, gluten and allergens, our B12 has the good taste of Nordic blueberries and all the wonderful health benefits of highly available B12 in one chewable tablet. Read more about Aarja Health Vitamin B12
Vitamin D3
Of course, we couldn't leave vitamin D3 off our list. All vegans, and no doubt anyone living in a Nordic country, should keep this in mind. Since vitamin D3 is largely dependent on our exposure to sunlight combined with the fact that it is found in very few foods (except some fortified dairy products), vitamin D supplementation is a must! For vegans, supplementation can present a problem in itself - many vitamin D3 supplements are not vegan, so be sure to confirm before taking them.
Why do we need vitamin D? Well, for starters, it plays a big role in how calcium and phosphorus are used throughout the body to promote strong bones and teeth. In addition to this, vitamin D also has a role to play in immunity, mental health, heart health and so much more. Read more about Aarja Health Vitamin D3
Calcium
Of course, we couldn't leave calcium off our list! Again, this is another nutrient that is strongly associated with animal products, such as dairy products. But did you know that vegetables are also a good source of calcium for vegans? Foods like bok choy, kale, broccoli and chickpeas are a must for vegans when it comes to calcium. But if you're looking for the best calcium supplement for vegans, we have to say our calcium, D3 and K2 take the prize! Not only is it vegan, but also a good source of the D3 we just talked about. The combination of calcium, D3 and K2 provides excellent support for bones and teeth in addition to the many benefits of vitamin D. Read more about Aarja Health Calcium!
Omega-3 substances
Omega-3s can be a particularly tricky nutrient for vegans to supplement because they often come from cold-water fish. Despite this, they are still important for overall health as they help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This anti-inflammatory property can have profound effects on the heart, brain, mental health and skin health for head-to-toe well-being. When it comes to vegan sources of omegas, luckily whole foods like walnuts, chia, hemp and flax seeds are easy additions to the diet. When it comes to supplements, you should choose omegas from algae. Not only are these often an environmentally friendly option, but also provide a dense source of these healthy fats! Read more Aarja Health Omega3 Krill Oil.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is easily overlooked in the diet. You may have heard of zinc for the role it plays in immunity, but in reality it is involved in over 300 enzymes throughout the human body. Zinc affects everything from metabolism and digestion to skin health, nerve function and DNA/protein synthesis, so it's important to ensure zinc levels in the diet are correct. For vegans, good sources of zinc include whole grains, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds and legumes. That said, the best zinc supplement for vegans is our Vitamin C with Zinc and Chaga! Enjoy the antioxidant benefits of vitamin C with the many health benefits of Nordic chaga, while ensuring adequate zinc levels.
Read more about Aarja Health Vitamin C with Zinc, Rosehip and Chaga.
While this rounds out our list of the best vegan supplements, Aarja Health still has many other vegan options available which can be found in our Vegan collection such as Curcumin with Ginger & B12 and Magnesium +B6+Zinc ! Check them out today to take your vegan diet to the next level!
