Supplements to Take if You Are Vegan or Vegetarian

Eating all of the vitamins and minerals you need from foods can often be a challenge for most Americans. Now eliminate meat, or even more extreme, all animal products including eggs and dairy and you’ve created an even more difficult way to fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to run efficiently. Luckily, there are many ways to supplement your body with the right vitamins and nutrients that you may be missing through a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and Pharmacy Solutions is here to help you gain a better understanding of how to do exactly that. The American Association of Nutrition and Dietetics found the nutrients of most concern for most vegans and vegetarians to be omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, iron, and iodine.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential for human nutrition. They are deemed “essential” because we need them for proper health, but cannot produce them on our own. We must, therefore, consume these fats through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for several body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development.  Omega-3’s are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes, and immune system. EPA and DHA primarily originate from cold-water fish making it imperative that vegetarians and vegans find a good source to supplement with. Flaxseed oil is a great alternative to fish oil to guarantee vegetarians and vegans get a good source of Omega-3s.

The next vitamin everyone needs is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12, found only in organ meats, seafood and egg yolks, often become deficient in vegan and vegetarian diets. The vitamin is essential for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, the synthesis of proteins, and plays a role in regulating mitochondrial enzymes and energy metabolism, as well as neurological health. Optimal B12 levels are found to be associated with better mood balance and health.

Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin, a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones that are best known for the role they play in supporting bone health and aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gastrointestinal tract. More research highlights its important role in supporting other body systems, including cardiovascular and blood sugar balance, musculoskeletal strength and neurological and immune function. Achievement of optimal vitamin D levels is extremely important than ever to overall health and wellbeing.

Calcium is most well-known for its role in the formation of bone and teeth, but it also plays a role in keeping the heart and muscles functioning by governing muscle contractions. Calcium is required for heart health, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion. Most of the calcium supply in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, serving as support for their structure and function.

Zinc, Iron, and Iodine can easily be obtained through a multivitamin that provides the proper levels of micronutrients for each day. Micronutrients play a role in strengthening immune function and converting food into energy. They detoxify chemicals and medications and manufacture neurotransmitters, hormones and other key signaling molecules in the body.

Let Pharmacy Solutions help you supplement where you may be missing out through diet and nutrition!!