Iron is crucial for the hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout our body to be used by organs and tissue. Adequate iron intake prevents anemia. Zinc [11] is sometimes found in products like fortified cereals, but similar to iron, the most prolific dietary sources are seafood and meats.

Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system and lowers the risks of age-related macular degeneration and type 2 diabetes. Iodine [12] can be found in seaweed and nori seaweed is a particularly rich source of iodine.

Iodine is also found in enriched bread, fish, dairy products, and perhaps most famously, iodized table salt. It is crucial for healthy thyroid function and early childhood development.

In contrast, a vegan diet [2] provides comparatively higher levels of:. These components may be less important to include in a supplement because they are more readily available in a plant-based diet. Their inclusion would also be unlikely to cause toxicity, however.

The specific combinations of ingredients in many over-the-counter supplements are not studied directly, so there is some value in reading about customer experiences.

These can give you some insight into potential side effects they experienced or whether individual consumers felt the product worked for them.

These can also provide a helpful picture related to customer service experiences and whether companies are responsive and actively back up their product once it has been purchased.

These are likely to be an extended form of marketing and are often overwhelmingly positive. It can be helpful to find authorized third-party vendors and read customer reviews there.

These reviews are less likely to be filtered and may give you more of a full picture related to user experience. Two signs of quality that can be particularly helpful are good manufacturing practices or GMP-certified facilities and submissions for third-party laboratory testing.

Each of the above products uses both of these quality measures. GMP certification implies the facilities used to manufacture the supplements are up to FDA standards. The FDA sets forth these standards to address the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility, as well as ingredient storage parameters.

Because the FDA does not evaluate over-the-counter products directly, many products contain substances that are not on the label. Of course, this is a potential cause of harm because individuals may not be aware of what they are taking.

Independent third-party testing ensures accurate labeling in terms of ingredients and dosage. It also detects any contaminants that may have affected products unintentionally. A vegan diet can be healthy, but it can make some specific nutrients a bit harder to come by.

As would be expected, a significant source of these nutrients has traditionally been animal products. The best vegan multivitamins provide these nutrients to help you fill the gaps.

Multivitamins are meant to provide generalized support for avoiding deficiencies. They are unlikely to provide doses adequate to treat an existing deficiency. Staying up to date with your healthcare providers can help you identify any potential concerns and develop a personalized plan.

While a multivitamin may not necessarily provide direct support for treating certain conditions, it can be a good option for addressing some deficiencies in your nutrition. Yes, but maintaining adequate nutrition over time does require careful planning.

Vitamin D and vitamin B12 can be more difficult to obtain in a vegan diet. A plant-based diet can deliver all essential nutrients, but it does require some attention to detail when planning snacks and meals.

A multivitamin can help bridge some of the potential gaps. EHproject has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Matthew Sommers, PharmD Writer. Matthew Sommers is a clinical pharmacist with more than 10 years of experience in the pharmacy profession.

He has most recently transitioned from a leadership role in a community setting into clinical practice with a focus… See More. Expert's opinion We believe information about products and services that could benefit people should be made available to consumers to help them make informed decisions about their health care.

February 03, by Matthew Sommers, PharmD. Future Kind Essential Vegan Multivitamin. Third-party tested. Good manufacturing practices or GMP certification. Environmentally conscious.

A vegan source of EPA and DHA. Four essential nutrients are provided; Additional supplements may be recommended. Ritual Essential Multivitamin For Women. Focus on traceable ingredients. GMP-certified facilities.

Vegan source of DHA. Four essential nutrients are provided; additional supplements may be recommended. Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men.

GMP-certified facilities More complete multivitamin. Hippo7 Vegan Complete Multivitamin. Specifically formulated to address each nutrient often deficient in vegan diets. Good value for complete coverage for a vegan diet. Garden Of Life MyKind Multivitamin. Third-party testing. Probiotic component.

Proprietary blends. Liquid option. Mixed reviews related to taste. Healthy Cell Vegan Essentials. Mostly positive reviews related to taste. What Are The Most Important Supplements For Vegans? Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 [6] is primarily found in animal products and is sometimes included in supplements under the names cyanocobalamin or methyl cobalamin.

Vitamin B12 can help lower the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Vitamin D Vitamin D [7] can be made in the body through exposure to sunlight, but it can be particularly difficult for those living in northern regions to make adequate amounts.

EPA And DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids providing EPA and DHA [8] are provided in several sources, with fish being the most abundant source. Calcium Calcium [9] is primarily supplied by dairy products in standard diets, but some vegetables like kale, broccoli, and bok choy have significant amounts.

Iron Iron [10] is available in some legumes and certain vegetables like potatoes, but the richest natural sources are lean meats and seafood. Zinc Zinc [11] is sometimes found in products like fortified cereals, but similar to iron, the most prolific dietary sources are seafood and meats.

Iodine Iodine [12] can be found in seaweed and nori seaweed is a particularly rich source of iodine. How To Choose The Best Vegan Multivitamin? Customer Reviews The specific combinations of ingredients in many over-the-counter supplements are not studied directly, so there is some value in reading about customer experiences.

Are vegan vitamins effective? Can vegans survive without supplements? What vitamins do vegans lack most? How to get all vitamins as a vegan? Melina, V. and Levin, S. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, [online] 12 , pp.

Neufingerl, N. and Eilander, A. Nutrient Intake and Status in Adults Consuming Plant-Based Diets Compared to Meat-Eaters: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, [online] 14 1 , pp.

Each is made and manufactured differently. At the same time, each of us live differently, practice varying lifestyles and may have specific dietary needs that others don't.

Choosing the best vegan multivitamins differs from one person to the next. Although it is helpful to be guided by a few factors before purchasing your own. First and foremost, your vegan multivitamin should contain the right amount of multiple vitamins and minerals critical to your optimum health.

Since vegans miss out on certain nutrients that are present in only animal products, multivitamins can play a key role in filling in the gaps. There are specific nutrients vegans need to boost their overall health, which we will discuss further as you read along.

The great thing is there are tons of vegan supplements made responsibly that are rich in these nutrients. It's just a matter of pairing it with a well balanced plant based diet.

When choosing a supplement, look for high quality vegan multivitamins that come with bioactive and bioavailable ingredients.

This means they are formulated to be better absorbed in your body and not cause harm, unlike synthetic nutrients. You may want to look for a vegan multivitamin that comes with only the most natural and organic ingredients. Fillers and artificial flavors aren't going to provide any additional benefits on your road to better health.

When it comes to dose, not exceeding your RDA on vitamins and minerals are crucial. A trusted vegan multivitamin is one that provides an optimum level of nutrients, not the minimum. Moreover, part of keeping your dosage to the right amount is being conscious of what you eat. When choosing the best vegan multivitamins, it's imperative to know which ingredients you should avoid.

These extra ingredients are often called "excipients", which are non-ingredients that are used in manufacturing. Knowing what to look for also prevents you from digesting unnecessary compounds in your body.

Part of selecting a vegan multivitamin is considering packaging. A big part of leading a vegan lifestyle is staying true to lessening our impact on the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of ethical and sustainable packaging solutions that are earth-friendly. That being said, you want to consider the credibility of the vegan multivitamin brand you're looking at.

Take the time to do your research, read trustworthy reviews and study which ones you resonate with the most. The best vegan multivitamins contain essential nutrients vegans need to thrive.

This way, your body is able to continue functioning optimally and maintain a strong immune system. In your quest to find the best vegan multivitamins, you must be aware of the essential vitamins and minerals vegans need.

Here's a rundown of key nutrients to look for. B vitamins are crucial for normal brain function and a sound nervous system. Furthermore, B vitamins may help prevent depression and anxiety and help us alleviate stress. Vitamin B12 is one form of Vitamin B that helps reduce fatigue and keep us energized from one task to the next.

It's also responsible for producing healthy red blood cells. Unlike other water-soluble vitamins, B vitamins can be stored in the body for long periods of time. That's why it's important to take the correct dose of B vitamins to prevent vitamin toxicity.

An excess of B vitamins is rare but possible. Excess is usually excreted by our bodies through urination. Many vegans are deficient in B vitamins, particularly B12 because it is found only in animal products like meat and dairy.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency may not show right away. Some symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, numbness, poor balance, and memory trouble. Over time, lack of vitamin B12 can cause pernicious anemia. Our bodies need Vitamin D for healthy skin, hair, bones, teeth, muscles as well as our bodily functions.

We mostly get it when we are exposed to the sun. However, there are times when our busy schedules hinder us from finding time under the sun. Moreover, some places don't always have the sunniest of days. This is why it's crucial to supplement, especially for vegans.

Aside from the sun, fortified foods or mushrooms, there are not many naturally occurring vegan sources of Vitamin D. Most vegans benefit from a dietary supplement, particularly in winter months and if your schedule doesn't permit you from being exposed enough to the sun.

When it comes to vegan food, you may want to watch out for food labeling on certain items you're buying off the store. If they are fortified foods labeled with "D2", that's vegan. However, if these foods are labeled only with "Vitamin D", particularly cereals, it's most likely they contain D3, which is usually derived from animals.

In your quest for the best vegan multivitamin, it's best to understand that there are two types of Vitamin D supplements: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is almost always vegan friendly. D3 is often extracted from animal products. However, there are some forms that are obtained from fungi or algae.

Experts recommend D3 more often because it is more easily absorbed in the body. Similar to other vegan vitamins, taking too much can cause potential health problems.. Excess in Vitamin D can do more harm than good, so it's always best to be within your limits when it comes to vitamin intake.

Another important vitamin for vegans or non-vegans is Vitamin C. It supports growth and repair of tissues and it's responsible for producing collagen: an important protein for skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Moreover, Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps prevent DNA damage.

Signs of Vitamin C deficiency include but are all not limited to bleeding gums, dry and splitting hair, scaly skin and easy bruising.

The great thing about this vitamin is it's readily available in plant foods. You can load up on it through eating blackcurrants, oranges, red and green pepper, kale, papaya, and strawberries, and other organic fruits. Vitamin C is also largely present in hardy greens like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, and spinach.

Choosing a dietary supplement rich in it is also a good option to balance with your diet. Most vegan multivitamins available on the market include Vitamin C. Vitamin E helps prevent coronary heart disease, boosts the immune system, promotes better eye health and lowers your risk of cancer.

It's also responsible for improving the health of your skin, which is why a lot of cosmetic products contain it. There are tons of vegan-friendly food sources rich in Vitamin E including but not limited to different nuts and seeds, avocado, butternut squash, canned tomatoes, wheat germ, mango, broccoli, spinach, kale, and chickpeas.

Iron is another one of the necessary vitamins and minerals vegans need to thrive. It helps transport oxygen to red blood cells. There are plant foods rich in it but we are less able to absorb them readily in our body. When consuming plant sources of iron, they are best absorbed with vitamin C.

Vegans and vegetarians often have a lower iron store since iron is most richly found in animals. However, you don't have to fret since a low iron store doesn't necessarily mean you are anemic.

When it comes to your diet, some of the best vegan friendly foods rich in it are legumes, organic vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. The key is not how much iron-rich foods you consume. It's about how much of it you can absorb.

This is where taking a vegan multivitamin rich in iron can help. They're often combined with folic acid, which is vital to keeping your blood healthy. Same as other vitamins and minerals, consuming too much iron can also be harmful.

So watch out and be mindful of how much you're putting into your body. Calcium supports strong bones and teeth. It's also instrumental in muscle and heart function. Calcium is available in non-vegan food like most dairy and eggs.

It is also available in plant foods like some grains, certain nuts and seeds, some organic fruit, seaweed and green leafy vegetables. However, it's usually bound to another compound, which makes it more difficult to absorb in the body.

Those who are on vegan diets usually have a lower bone density than meat eaters, which puts them at a greater risk for fractures. That's why taking a vegan multivitamin rich in Calcium is another way to ensure your body is absorbing sufficient amounts of it.

Another nutrient to consider when finding the best vegan multivitamins is Zinc. It helps in almost all vital functions of your body. It's necessary for protein formation, promotes collagen formation, as well as boosts your immune system.

Similar to other minerals and vitamins, Zinc can be found in vegan sources like fermented soya, nuts, some grains and other organic whole foods. However, it could be difficult to absorb in your body. Consider taking vegan multivitamins rich in it so you're getting enough.

We need Iodine to help normalize our thyroid function and to help regulate the energy we use for our daily tasks. Arame, wakame, and nori are all excellent sources of it too, whereas kelp is high in Iodine and should be used cautiously.

Keep in mind that the amount of Iodine in plants is dependent on the quantity present in the soil where they are grown.

Other plant-based sources for it are whole foods like whole grains, green beans, courgettes, kale, spring greens, watercress, strawberries and organic potatoes with skin on.

Omega 3 fatty acids are nutrients that help support healthy body. They're important to the structural integrity of every cell wall.

They're also an energy source and assist in maintaining appropriate functioning of your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system. Two important ones -- EPA and DHA -- are largely found in fish while ALA is found in plant sources like seeds and nuts.

If you don't consume enough Omega 3s, signs of deficiency won't show until after a year or two. A holistic vegan diet is made up of nutrient-varied food choices that ensure you're getting the most of what your body needs.

Keep in mind that the majority of plant-based sources of some vitamins and minerals are not as easily absorbed as animal sources. This may make it harder for vegans to absorb nutrients properly.