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Evidence shows that vegans who are not taking vitamin B 12 supplements do not consume sufficient B 12 and often have abnormally low blood concentrations of vitamin B 12. [75] This is because, unless fortified, plant foods do not contain reliable amounts of active vitamin B 12. Vegans are advised to adopt one of the following dietary options: [76]
Vitamin B 12 supplements are available as single or multivitamin tablets. Pharmaceutical preparations of vitamin B 12 may be given by intramuscular injection. [6] [62] Since there are few non-animal sources of the vitamin, vegans are advised to consume a dietary supplement or fortified foods for B 12 intake, or risk serious health consequences. [6]
Animal-source foods are a diverse group of foods that are rich in bioavailable nutrients including calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins B12, vitamin D, choline, DHA, and EPA. [11] Animal-source and plant-based foods have complimentary nutrient profiles and balanced diets containing both reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. [ 11 ]
The requirements for a healthy diet can be met from a variety of plant-based and animal-based foods, although additional sources of vitamin B12 are needed for those following a vegan diet. [4] Various nutrition guides are published by medical and governmental institutions to educate individuals on what they should be eating to be healthy.
Pregnant and lactating vegetarian mothers—and breastfed infants if the vegetarian mother's diet is not supplemented—should also use supplements, whether B 12-pills, B 12-injections, or B 12-fortified foods, if they don't get adequate vitamin B 12 from animal products like eggs or dairy. Eggs are a source of vitamin B 12 for vegetarians.
Vegan sources of vitamin D include ergocalciferol and synthetic or plant sources of cholecalciferol. Mushrooms are a good plant source of natural ergocalciferol, especially after being exposed to UV-B light. [50] Cholecalciferol in vegan dog food can be synthetic or naturally derived from lichen, a non-animal source of D3. [53]
B-vitamins are primarily found in animal-based foods, making deficiencies more common among those with limited animal food intake due to cultural, religious, or economic reasons. For vegetarians, fortified foods can be a viable alternative to ensure adequate vitamin B12 levels, especially when reducing laxative use to improve absorption.
However, the NHS recommends 10μg of Vitamin D per day throughout the pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and 400μg of folic acid during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy). [15] Some women may need to take iron, vitamin C, or calcium supplements during pregnancy, but only on the advice of a doctor.