Vegan-Friendly Supplements

Thrive on a Vegan Diet

Common dietary trip hazards on a plant-based diet  

Vegans need the same nutrients and the same amount of them that meat eaters do, and a couple of them (vitamins b12 & d) aren’t abundantly available from plants alone and others that can’t be properly absorbed from plant sources, or regularly consumed in western diets. While it is technically possible to find these nutrients naturally from plant-based food if you look hard enough and micromanage your life, the methods are often not safe or adequate, leaving you still deficient in certain nutrients that can adversely affect your health and energy levels. There are also the levels of phytic acid in plant-based products to consider, an acid that prevents the body from absorbing several essential minerals and vitamins that do exist in your food. 

While we will list some of the most common deficiencies faced by vegans, you must do your own research to take care of your own unique nutritional needs. Visit your GP or dietician, discuss your options, and do tests - the usual things! 

Zinc is also hard to come by in a plant-based diet, but not because it isn’t found in plant products. In fact, there are plenty of sources of natural zinc like legumes, seeds and nuts. However, plant-based foods also can contain something called phytic acid - and this acid stalls the ability to absorb the consumed zinc. The acid is an anti-nutrient and slowly harms the small intestine lining by not letting the body properly absorb good nutrients, creating mineral deficiencies. 

Supplements for a plant-based diet - which ones are essential? 

It’s not all about B12! (Although B12 is definitely top of our list.)

Doing your research about which supplements you may need when embarking upon a vegan or plant-based diet can feel a little bit medical and not at all the natural journey you wanted. However, there are some essential nutrients that are often left off the plate of a plant-based diet that can be supplemented (we prefer the term ‘complemented’) by vegan gummies made with natural ingredients. These nutrients are hugely important to optimise your overall wellness and ensure your health is getting everything it needs to thrive, not just survive! 

Supplements, in short, are an everyday necessity in a vegan lifestyle to perfect your nutritional balance while living a healthy life and eating your chosen diet on your terms. 

OUR TOP RECOMMENDED VEGAN-FRIENDLY SUPPLEMENTS

GOOD VITA-B12

Vitamin b12 is critical for supporting your immune system, and neurological functions and even is responsible for creating new blood cells, and DNA. As you probably are gathering, it’s pretty important.

So what is vitamin b12?

Vitamin b12 is also called cobalamin and belongs to the B vitamin group. It is required to make red blood cells and other new cells in your body every day, and also has a hand in creating folate (vitamin b9).

Why is important for vegans to take B12 supplements?

As you may or may not know,  there are no existing adequate B12 sources in the plant world. Those gambling with eating ‘dirty vegetables’ to absorb B12 from the soil aren’t taking into account the other things that human farming and existence also leave on your unwashed vegetables. The levels of B12 found on unwashed veg are debatable at best, so isn’t really worth the risk to your gut health.

Since being deficient in B12 for a prolonged amount of time can lead to serious neurological diseases, it’s important to find an alternative for B12 consumption. It can’t be skipped. While some bread, yeast and cereals that are vegan-friendly can be fortified with B12, the only sure way to make sure you’re getting enough of it to support your essential health is to supplement it.

The Good Vitamin Co knows how crucial it is for our vegan friends and whanau to have access to safe B12, so we’ve created a delicious and easy way to get your dose daily. Flavoured naturally with plump pomegranates, they are a favourite with plant and meat eaters alike.

Check out our B12s here!

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GOOD VITA D

Vitamin d is a necessity for our bodies, and studies claim that the lack of it may increase the risk of a slew of chronic diseases. 

So what is vitamin d?

Cutely coined the ‘sunshine vitamin’, our bodies trigger the activation of vitamin d when exposed to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin and allows us to retain phosphorus and calcium, as well as properly absorb these essential nutrients so that we can use them.

The new age of indoor living, entertainment and screen culture mean that getting that vitamin d activation from the outdoors alone is harder than ever, and most people are deficient. 

The benefits of vitamin d include essential support for bone health, immune system strength and overall cardiovascular health. 

Why do vegans need to take vitamin d?

Animals, just like humans, activate vitamin d from their exposure to the sun. People who eat meat are actually ingesting a little more vitamin d secondhand from animals. Many dairy products are even fortified with vitamin d, which helps those who eat more animal products supplement their vitamin d stores, too. 

Vegans, obviously not partaking in animal consumption, need to find their vitamin d boost elsewhere. The easiest (and yummiest) way to do this is to pop a delicious vegan-friendly vitamin gummy - making staying on top too easy. We’re a little crazy over how yummy these are - so remember to  stop at one! (or two)

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GOOD IRON + VITA-C

Iron deficiency is the number 1 nutrient deficiency the world over. Luckily for vegans, iron can be found in a lot of plants - but it still may not be enough to combat the lethargy and weakness that comes with iron deficiency, particularly for those who menstruate. 

What is iron? 

Iron is an essential mineral that your body requires in order to develop and grow properly. It creates haemoglobin, creates hormones, carries oxygen around the body from the lungs and creates myoglobin, which actually provides oxygen to your muscles. 

Why do vegans need to keep an eye on their iron intake?

While there are loads of yummy plants that contain iron, your body’s ability to absorb iron can be impacted by a variety of reasons. Lots of minerals, like iron, need other vitamins to work together and be utilised by the body properly. Iron’s running mate is vitamin c, which is why we’ve created a tasty supplement that contains both iron and vit c for the effective double whammy your body craves every day. Another way to let your body absorb iron and vitamin c is to avoid taking them within a couple of hours of caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee!

Get the vegan-friendly body boost to support your energy levels here!

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Finding vegan-friendly vitamin supplements can be a mission

A huge number of supplements contain ingredients that are not suitable for a vegan diet, and some vegans might not double check if the label says ‘vegan-friendly’, putting their faith in advertising. It’s always best to check the official ingredients label for the complete list to make sure you know what you’re consuming. 

Truly vegan-friendly supplements at The Good Vitamin Co

This is how we offer animal-free gummies for our vegan whanau and friends!

1. We use natural pectin

Instead of the traditional gelatin that comprises most supplements and gives them their chewy, gelatinous consistency, we use natural pectin in our gummies which is a natural fruit base, instead. Pectin is gentle on the stomach, easily digestible and completely vegan.

2. Our vitamin d2 is strictly vegan sourced

There are some forms of vitamin d that are not vegan0friendly as they are derived from animals, such as vitamin d3. We only use vitamin d2 (Ergocalciferol) in our gummies for your peace of mind. 

3. We use flaxseed oil instead of fish

For our omega-3 supplements, we do not derive the fatty acids from any fish product in our new formula - using flaxseed oil instead.