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HELPING YOU BE HEALTHY

The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Supplements

This ultimate guide will help you navigate the variety of vegan vitamins, minerals, and other health products to make it easier for you to be a healthy vegan. It will let you know which supplements are vegan and explain why they wouldn’t be vegan, as well as explain the health benefits of the nutrients, where they are sourced and the foods you can consume to keep your levels of that nutrient topped up.

Which Supplements are Essential on a Vegan Diet?

To achieve optimum health we need to combine a healthy diet with exercise and the intelligent, conservative use of supplements.

Deciding which supplements to take isn’t simple. Even beneficial supplements can prove toxic if you take more than you need. And some nutrients should not be isolated in supplement form as they rely on a complex array of phytochemicals to be beneficial. In this case, it’s best to get them from whole, plant-based foods instead of supplements.

 

Many of my merchants provide questionnaires to tailor their recommendations to your specific needs.

Do Vegans Need to Take Supplements?

Many people, vegans included, find that they are deficient in certain nutrients, or need additional support for an active life and other reasons. True deficiencies can be detected by having a blood test done.

 

Vegans, more than other people, are at risk of being deficient in Vitamin B12, EPA, and Vitamin D3. Supplements are almost always required for these three nutrients. Other nutrients to consider are DHA, Iodine, Zinc, Iron and Calcium. To be sure whether you need to supplement, visit your Doctor and ask for a blood test to check your levels of these nutrients.

 

There is no reliable plant-based source of Vitamin B12, so it can only be reliably obtained from supplements. While the body does convert Omega-3 from foods like walnuts and linseeds into EPA, and Vitamin D3 can be sourced from sunlight and mushrooms, this is not enough to meet our daily requirements and supplementation might still be required for optimum health.

Do Vegans Need to Take a Protein Supplement?

Protein supplements are often taken to aid in muscle development or to aid weight-loss. Due to the stresses and strains of life it could oftentimes be challenging to follow a consistently healthy eating plan. In this instance, protein supplements can be used as part of a healthy balanced diet. 

 

Vegans do not necessarily need to take a protein supplement as our bodies create whole proteins from the amino acids found in all plant-based foods. If you are including a variety of grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and vegetables in your diet then you will be consuming all of the nine essential amino acids.

 

The amount of protein you need varies depending on your level of activity, weight, and body composition. The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to 56g per day for the average sedentary man and 46g per day for the average sedentary woman. If you are eating a balanced wholefood diet, then you can easily consume this amount of protein.

 

Active persons and pregnant women may need more protein.

What Else Do They Put in Supplements?

Even if the nutrient itself is vegan, supplements contain compounding agents to either help with the manufacturing process, as fillers to improve the presentation of the final product, or to control where the metabolism of the nutrients occurs in the digestive process.

 

Non-vegan additives include lactose, shellac and gelatin.

 

Vegan additives include calcium, cellulose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate or stearic acid, silicon dioxide, and canauba wax.

 

  1. Calcium, microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin or lactose are used as fillers to bulk up the nutrient into a tablet or capsule form.
  2. Magnesium stearate or stearic acid, and silicon dioxide are often added to supplements as lubrication to ensure the supplement powders flow smoothly through the manufacturing process.
  3. Starch or modified cellulose gum is commonly added to help with the digestion of the compound after it is swallowed. 
  4. Additional cellulose coatings may be applied to slow the nutrient release so that digestion is delayed until it is in the stomach.
  5. Tablets may be coated in carnauba wax or shellac to give them a glossy appearance.
  6. Capsules contain gelatin made from animal products unless they are specifically called veggie caps or vegetable capsules; both of which are vegan.
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Which Supplements are Vegan?

Nearly all nutritional supplements now have a synthetic or plant-based option. These are both vegan. However, it is important to check the source of the nutrient you are considering. Even though vegan alternatives exist, many manufacturers choose the cheapest, more readily available ingredients to make their products cost-effective. These are usually either created synthetically or derived from animal products.

 

In my experience, companies that produce vegan products usually also strive to source plant-based, ethical, and frequently organic ingredients. Vegan companies tend to have a more holistic approach to life and business. However, this isn’t always the case.

 

Check the nutrient on the A-Z guide below to see the possible sources of the vegan and animal derived versions. Manufacturers have become more responsible about how they label their products. However, not everything is labeled correctly. Usually, if it doesn’t say the product is vegan somewhere on the packaging or labeling, then it’s better to assume it isn’t vegan.

Key to Icons Used

Key to Vegan Status of Nutrients

The key below shows the standard form of the nutrient. That means that if nothing states that the product is vegan, this key answers the question of whether it is likely to be vegan or not.

 

This key is not a guarantee; it is merely an indication of what the vegan status of the most widely available form of the ingredient is. Manufacturers and merchants have many differing principles about the quality and sourcing practices of the ingredients they include. They also differ about what they think is healthy. So we can never be 100% sure about where they will source their ingredients unless we ask them directly.

 

So, the key categorizes the vegan status according to standard industry practices, showing what the majority of companies would do. If you are unsure whether the ingredient is from an animal origin it is always recommended that you reach out to the merchant directly.

Key to Supplement Recommendations

Here is the key to help you identify which supplements are recommended on a vegan diet, which nutrients should rather be consumed in food, and which supplements should only be taken when you are sure you are deficient and in that case, you need to be careful not to overdose.

Note: The information on Elated Vegan Health is not medical advice, it is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations expressed here to see how they would relate to your personal symptoms or medical conditions.

The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Supplements A-Z

Scroll down for an extensive list of supplement ingredients with their descriptions. Or click on the corresponding letter of the alphabet below to go directly to the nutrient you are looking for.

A

Agar

Agar is a vegan gelling agent sourced from the Gracilaria algae, a bright red seaweed. It is very useful as a replacement (using the same quantities) for gelatin in vegan jellies, custards, and desserts. It doesn’t require refrigeration to set and sets in about an hour at room temperature. Agar can be boiled and can even be melted again if necessary. It is a good source of calcium, iron, iodine and trace minerals. It is very high in fiber and therefore aids in digestion and acts as a mild laxative as it carries toxic waste out of the body. Agar is also known to reduce inflammation.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of Protein. There are 20 amino acids that create proteins. They split into 9 essential amino acids (Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine), 5 nonessential amino acids (Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid and Serine), and 6 conditionally essential amino acids (Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline and Tyrosine). Taurine is an additional conditionally essential Amino Acid, but it isn’t used to build Protein.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient that is vital for good eyesight, a healthy reproductive function and a strong immune system. It is primarily sourced from dairy, liver, eggs and fish; however, our bodies can also convert the carotenoids in fruit and vegetables into Vitamin A. There are vegan Vitamin A supplements; however,  it is best to get it directly from food. 

 

Taking more Vitamin A than you need significantly increases the risk of cancer, bone fractures and birth defects; so do not take it unless you have a deficiency and have been advised to do so by a medical practitioner. Our daily requirement is easily met by eating a variety of fruit and vegetables like carrots, butternut, orange sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, cantaloupe (sweet melon) and pink grapefruit.

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B

Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is found in vegetables including red and yellow peppers, dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, and apricots. When consumed in its natural state in food, there are numerous health benefits including acting as an antioxidant. However, it is only one of about 500 carotenoids. It is not advisable to take supplemental beta carotene as it has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease when taken as a supplement rather than by consuming foods high in carotenoids.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is vital for the nervous system, healthy red blood cells, creation of DNA, and the synthesis of myelin. Deficiency can lead to serious health consequences including megaloblastic anaemia, permanent nerve damage and dementia. Vitamin B12 is created by bacteria and can be found in animal products including fish, red meat, chicken, dairy and eggs.

 

Plant sources like Tempeh, Nori and Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that are similar to vitamin B12 but it is thought they don’t have any vitamin activity; in fact, no plant food has been shown to improve vitamin B12 status in humans.

 

It is essential for vegans to supplement with Vitamin B12 or eat foods that are fortified with Vitamin B12. Vegan Vitamin B12 supplements are available as either cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin.

Vitamin B2

See Riboflavin.

Vitamin B3

See Niacin.

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C

Calcium

Calcium is important for healthy bones, it also aids in the function of muscle contraction, healthy heart function and blood clotting. Calcium can be found in dairy products and fish bones. Vegan food sources of calcium are green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli, legumes, dried figs, and sesame seeds. It is best to take calcium along with Vitamin D for better absorption and regulation.

 

There are four types of calcium that are usually found in supplements and usually a combination is used. They are all vegan. 

 

  1. Calcium Carbonate is sourced from limestone and chalk.
  2. Calcium Citrate is the best type to take as it is easily digested and absorbed, it is created by combining citric acid and Calcium Hydroxide.
  3. Calcium Gluconate is manufactured by the neutralization of Calcium Carbonate.
  4. Calcium Lactate is not made from dairy. It is commercially prepared by neutralizing Lactic Acid (which is vegan) with Calcium Carbonate or Calcium Hydroxide. 

Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the Carnauba palm tree grown in Brazil. It is one of the hardest waxes and is used on fruit to make them shine and in hair products. It passes through our bodies undigested, and there are no health issues when taken in the small quantities found in supplements. There are concerns over the environmental effects of harvesting the wax, which has caused many harvesters to only harvest a few leaves of the palm at a time so as not to stunt the growth of the tree and reduce the negative effect on the surrounding eco-system.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a vegan binding agent derived from red seaweed. It is used in vegan cheese and thickener or stabilizer in desserts. There are 3 types of carrageenan and Kappa-carrageenan is the best type for cooking. It has been found to accelerate cancer formation when ingested with a carcinogen, as well as causing stomach ulcerations and inflammation. It is approved by the U.S. F.D.A. as it is less harmful when consumed with protein and apparently harmless when ingested in small amounts as a food additive. It is possible to replace Carrageenan with Agar in your recipes.

CBD or Cannabidiol

CBD or Cannabidiol is an oil derived from the cannabis or marijuana plant. It does not have the same intoxicating effect as THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the plant’s primary psychoactive. CBD is used for sleep disorders, anxiety and chronic pain. It has an antipsychotic effect and has been used to treat schizophrenia and the manic phases of bipolar. CBD is safe to use and is vegan.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate is often used along with glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis. It helps to rebuild and repair worn cartilage tissue, increasing lubrication and decreasing inflammation and pain in the joints.

 

The primary source for chondroitin supplements is from animal cartilage such as tracheas and bovine or shark cartilage. However, there is a move towards using vegan alternatives. Animal sourced choindroitin has been found to contain the toxin sodium hexametaphosphate.

 

Vegan choindroitin is produced through the fermentation of algal extracts or the biosynthesis of bacteria. Vegan versions have been proven to have a 43% higher bioavailability than chondroitin sourced from animals.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral and enzyme co-factor. It is an antioxidant and helps to prevent osteoporosis, make red blood cells and protect against anemia. Food sources: cow liver, lobster and oysters. Vegan food sources are cashew nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, beans, dark leafy greens and dried fruit. Copper supplements are mostly synthetic, therefore vegan. Copper bisglycinate is the most bioavailable form of copper to take. It is easily sourced from food and it is not advisable to supplement with copper as even a small excess could lead to kidney failure. 

Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is synthetic vegan Vitamin B12.  This is the version recommended by nutrition experts. It is created using an insignificant amount of cyanide compared to what occurs naturally in the diet, so it is harmless even when consuming 1,000µg a day, unless you have impaired kidney function, then it should be avoided and you should rather supplement with methylcobalamin.

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D

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps with the regulation and absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is found in fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolk, beef liver and dairy products. Vegans can get Vitamin D naturally from sunlight and mushrooms, however, that will not be enough to meet your daily requirements and supplementation is advised. Vitamin D3 is recommended as it has been shown to be far more effective at raising and maintaining levels of Vitamin D in the body than Vitamin D2.

Vitamin D2

Vitamin D2 is sourced from plants so is vegan.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 that is used in supplements is mostly from lanolin which is a byproduct of sheep’s wool and is not vegan. Vegan Vitamin D3 is sourced from algae and lichen.

DHA

DHA is essential for healthy brain development and function. It is primarily sourced from fish roe, shrimp and shellfish. Vegans can find Omega-3 oils in chia seeds, flax seeds/linseeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and edamame, which contains ALA, which the body turns into EPA and DHA. However, our bodies are not efficient at this conversion and vegans should consider supplementing with EPA and DHA. Vegan supplements source DHA from algae. 

E

E Numbers

E numbers are a form of short-hand to identify food additives. They could be as innocent as E300 which is vitamin C, or as harmful as E621 which is MSG. So all e numbers are not created equal. Some are derived from animal products like E441 which is gelatin, while others are vegan like E460 which is plant fiber known as cellulose.

 

Find out which e numbers are vegan…

EPA

EPA is essential for healthy brain function and mood stabilization. It is primarily sourced from fish roe, shrimp and shellfish. Vegans can find Omega-3 oils in chia seeds, flax seeds/linseeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and edamame, which contains ALA, which the body turns into EPA and DHAHowever, our bodies are not efficient at this conversion and vegans should consider supplementing with EPA. Vegan supplements source EPA from algae. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It’s an antioxidant good for the immune system as well as healthy veins and reducing blood clotting. Vitamin E also increases the absorption of Vitamin K. Vitamin E deficiency is rare; however, it is prescribed as a medication for many illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, pregnancy complications, and diseases of the brain like Alzheimers.

 

Supplementing with Vitamin E is not advised as there are concerns that taking it in isolation will increase the risk of strokes. Vitamin E’s health benefits are far more reliable when sourced from whole foods like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.

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F

Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Fumerate

Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Fumerate are vegan Iron supplements. 

Folate

Folate is a member of the vitamin B family and is sourced from dark green leafy vegetables. It plays an important role in DNA function, especially in the development of the fetus and preventing birth defects, as well as protecting against cancer and preserving the health of nerve tissues.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is a synthetic version of Folate and has been found to increase the risk of cancer. 

G

Gelatin

Unless the product clearly states that the capsules are veggie caps or vegetarian capsules, then they are made from gelatin, which in turn is made from beef bones. This is because gelatin capsules are cheaper to make than vegetarian capsules. Vegetarian capsules are vegan and are made from cellulose, which is the undigestable fibre in plants.

Greens

Green powders and supplements increase energy, detoxify and alkalize the body, boost the immune system, and improve general health. They contain leafy vegetables like wheat grass, barley grass, kale, spinach and broccoli. They also sometimes contain Probiotics, Prebiotics, Moringa and Spirulina. This combination provides numerous trace elements, chlorophyll, folate, and B vitamins. Green supplements increase energy, detoxify, alkalize, boost the immune system and improve general health.

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H

Histidine

Histidine is an Amino Acid that is is used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, and anemia caused by kidney disease. It can be found in meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy. Vegan sources of histidine are grains and legumes. Supplements are produced synthetically so are vegan.

I

Iodine

Iodine is a mineral found in kelp, it aids the thyroid’s production of hormones to control the metabolism of food into energy. It is vital for the healthy development of the bones and brain of babies. Some Iodine supplements could be made from fish, so read the labelling.

Iron

Iron is a mineral essential for transporting carbon dioxide and oxygen in red blood cells to all areas of the body. Iron supplements are most often made from heme iron derived from animal products such as meat, chicken, eggs, and fish.

 

Vegan sources of iron are dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. Vegan iron supplements are made from ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumerate, or carbonyl iron, the latter is more gentle on sensitive stomachs. Ferrous fumerate is the most absorbable with the highest levels of elemental iron (33%). Iron supplements can cause constipation, and an excess of iron can lead to liver failure, so it is important to only supplement when needed. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.

J

Juniper

Juniper berries are primarily used for bladder or stomach infections. 

K

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin and is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also slows bleeding by helping blood to clot. Vitamin K comprises a group of nutrients. Vitamin K1 is sourced primarily from green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin K2 can be sourced from fermenting animal products, namely meat, eggs and cheese; however, there are vegan versions of Vitamin K2 available

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is produced by microorganisms and can be sourced from fermenting animal products, namely meat, eggs and cheese. Vegan versions of Vitamin K2 available. It’s important for blood coagulation, bone health and heart health. Reduces the risk of fractures and the treatment of osteoporosis. Prevents calcification in the arteries.

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L

Lactose

Lactose is an ingredient in cow’s milk and is sometimes used in supplements as a bulking agent. It is not vegan.

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid is an essential Omega-6 fatty acid.

Linolenic Acid

Linolenic Acid is an essential Omega-3 fatty acid. The primary source is fish oil. But there are vegan options available made from algae.

M

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral. Many people are deficient in magnesium. It is vital for the absorption of calcium and plays a role in bone density. Magnesium is used to treat high blood pressure, osteoporosis, clogged arteries and constipation. It is taken by athletes to increase energy and stamina. Magnesium applied to the skin is good for bacterial infections. Food sources include high fibre foods, including green leafy vegetables, broccoli, squash, almonds, legumes and whole grains.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide starch with a GI that is higher than sugar. It is used as a bulking agent in supplements. It is vegan and safe to consume in low doses. Maltodextrin can be sourced from corn, rice, potatoes, or wheat.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland to control our sleep–wake cycle. It also occurs naturally in plants, but most melatonin used in supplements comes from the pineal gland of animals or starts with animal byproducts to synthetically create melatonin. Check that the ingredients specifically state the use of a vegan version of melatonin.

Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin is synthetic Vitamin B12 that is created by converting Cyanocobalamin. Unlike Cyanocobalamin, it does not contain cyanide. However, it is less stable and requires a higher dosage, the amount hasn’t yet been determined.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins are created with many different proportions of varying nutrients. Please check the packaging.

 

According to Dr Fuhrman, it is best to avoid any supplement you don’t specifically need, so check the ingredients carefully to see if you do in fact need all the ingredients.

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N

Niacin

Also known as Vitamin B3. Niacin has many benefits including easing arthritis and boosting brain function. It is produced in two forms: Nicotinic Acid which helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease; and Niacinamide or Nicotinamide which is thought to protect against skin cancer and psoriasis. Niacin can be sourced from meat, fish, legumes and nuts. Taking an excess of Niacin when you do not have a deficiency can have negative side effects like gout and liver damage.

O

Omega-3

Omega-3 contains ALA which the body can convert into EPA and DHA, which are essential for healthy brain development and mood stabilization. It is thought to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 supplements are primarily sourced from fish roe, shrimp and shellfish. Vegans can find Omega-3 oils in chia seeds, flax seeds/linseeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, and edamame. However, our bodies are not efficient at this conversion and vegans should consider supplementing with EPA and DHA. Vegan supplements source EPA and DHA from algae. 

Omega-6

Omega-6 contains essential fatty acids like Linoleic Acid It is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 Diabetes, but also to contribute to inflammation. It is typically unnecessary to take Omega-6 supplements as it is found in sunflower oil and other plant-based seeds and oils which are widely used in the Western diet.

P

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the foods that the healthy bacteria in your gut consume. These are foods high in fiber and resistant carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. A good food source is bananas. Prebiotic supplements are made by fermenting various fruit and vegetable sources, eg chicory root, inulin, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), or tapioca.

Probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria that help the immune system and remove cancer-causing toxins from the gut. Probiotic supplements are mostly cultured from dairy products, but they can be found in all cultured foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, pickle, kombucha and tempeh. Vegan probiotic supplements are cultured from vegan sources. It is good to take probiotics when you are taking antibiotics, have an auto-immune disease, candida, or irritable bowel syndrome. Taking Probiotics together with Prebiotics makes them more effective.

Protein

Protein is an important building block for the development and maintenance of healthy muscle tissue, bone, cartilage, blood and skin. Our bodies also use it to build enzymes and hormones. Most protein shakes are made with whey protein, which is not vegan as it’s a dairy product. Vegan protein supplements are made using soya protein and/or pea protein.

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Q

Quercetin

Quercetin is a dietary flavanoid found in apples, berries, onions, red grapes, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables. It is an antioxidant thought to reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system and protect against heart disease. However, overuse could lead to kidney damage.

R

Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate is Vitamin A, a fat soluble nutrient that is vital for good eyesight, a healthy reproductive function and a strong immune system. It is primarily sourced from dairy, liver, eggs and fish; however, our bodies can also convert the carotenoids in fruit and vegetables into Vitamin A. There are vegan Vitamin A supplements; however,  it is best to get it directly from food. 

 

Taking more Vitamin A than you need is toxic and can significantly increases the risk of cancer, bone fractures and birth defects; so do not take it unless you have a deficiency and have been advised to do so by a medical practitioner. Our daily requirement is easily met by eating a variety of fruit and vegetables like carrots, butternut, orange sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, cantaloupe (sweet melon) and pink grapefruit.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is a water soluble vitamin that helps to release the energy from foods and with the utilization of oxygen. Supplements are primarily sourced from animal products, including liver, kidneys, eggs, and dairy. Vegan Vitamin B2 supplements are sourced from mushrooms, avocados, almonds, soybeans, and green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and asparagus. 

S

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral. It’s a powerful antioxidant and is good for the thyroid, boosts immune function and increases fertility amongst other benefits. Eating a varied, whole food vegan diet will ensure you get enough selenium. Selenium deficiency is rare, and high levels can be toxic, so it is recommended not to take selenium supplements. Food sources are fish, poultry, beef, eggs and dairy products. Vegan food sources are brazil nuts (very high), spinach, sunflower seeds, bananas, oats, brown rice, mushrooms, lentils and cashews. The most bioavailable form of selenium is selenomethionine. The majority of selenium supplements are not vegan. Vegan selenium supplements are either sourced from plants or grown in yeast.

Shellac

Shellac is sometimes used to coat tablets to give them a shiny look. It is safe to consume, but it isn’t vegan. Shellac is the resin harvested from the cacoons of the lac insect after the young have hatched. It is an animal product created by an animal byproduct, and, since insects are also animals, requires the farming of animals.

Spirulina

Spirulina is blue-green algae, which produces energy from sunlight and is packed with nutrients, including Omega-3, iron, all the essential Amino Acids, and Vitamin B1, B2 and B3. Spirulina has many health benefits, including helping with the management of diabetes type 2, reducing the symptoms of allergies, and boosting metabolism. Spirulina is also thought to lower LDL, the bad cholesterol while raising HDL, the good cholesterol.

Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate or Calcium Stearate

Stearic Acid is a saturated fatty acid used in supplements to assist in the production process. It helps the powder move along the chutes. Historically it was derived from tallow (animal fat). The industry standard nowadays is to source Stearic Acid from vegetable sources like palm oil. If the supplement doesn’t specifically state ‘vegan’ on the label, please check directly with the supplier to confirm the source they use.

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T

Taurine

Taurine is a conditionally essential Amino Acid, but it isn’t used to build Protein. Taurine is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of heart disease and liver damage. Taurine plays many roles, including assisting with the body’s cellular health, digestion, regulating the central nervous system, and ensuring a healthy immune system. Our bodies can produce Taurine; however, it is safe to supplement with Taurine if required and vegans are often deficient. It is primarily found in shellfish and the dark meat of turkeys. It is not found in plants. Supplemental Taurine is produced synthetically and is vegan.

W

Whey Protein

Whey is a byproduct of cheese and butter production. It is a dairy product and is most often used as a protein supplement. It is not vegan.

X

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables. Typically it is sourced from Birch trees. While toxic to dogs, Xylitol has no side effects for humans. Xylitol is used mostly as a sweetener. It is also prescribed to treat ear infections and prevent tooth decay. It relieves constipation and improves bone mineral density.

Y

Yucca

Yucca supplements come from the root of a Yucca shrub. It is taken for high blood pressure, to lower cholesterol and give symptomatic relief from arthritis.

Z

Zinc Gluconate and Zinc Citrate

Zinc is an essential trace mineral with numerous benefits. It strengthens the immune system, and is used to treat infections, reproductive disorders, macular degeneration, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease and much more. Zinc is vitally important in the creation of DNA and healing of wounds. It is also used to help restore the sense of taste and smell.

 

Zinc can be found in oysters, lobster, red meat, and poultry. Vegan sources are tofu, beans, nuts and whole grains; however, it is possible that the phytates in plants inhibit the absorption of Zinc. Vegan Zinc supplements are Zinc Gluconate and Zinc Citrate.

Karen Johnson - The Elated Vegan

Author Karen Johnson
Karen is passionate about vegan education, health, nutrition and fitness. She is a Nutritarian Coach certified with Joel Fuhrman M.D. Karen founded Elated Vegan in 2007 to raise awareness for farmed animals, and added the Elated Vegan Health marketplace in 2020 to source vegan supplements, and help people be healthy vegans.

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