Guide Supplements For Vegans

Why vegans should consider targeted supplementation

A well-planned vegan diet provides most nutrients, but some are harder to obtain from plants alone. Vitamin B12 is the best-known example — it's found almost exclusively in animal products. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, and iodine can also require attention on a plant-based diet.

Supplementation isn't an admission that a vegan diet is inadequate — it's a practical recognition that modern food systems make some nutrients harder to obtain regardless of diet. Even omnivores are commonly low in vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s.

Key nutrients for plant-based diets

Vitamin B12

Essential for nervous system function and red blood cell formation. Found naturally only in animal products. All vegans should supplement B12. Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex provides methylcobalamin — the active, bioavailable form — at well above the NRV level.

Zinc

Important for immune function, skin health, and metabolism. Plant sources exist (legumes, seeds, whole grains) but phytates in these foods reduce absorption. Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex provides 10mg zinc (100% NRV) and Skin Hair & Nails provides 3.5mg (35% NRV) alongside copper.

Iron

Plant iron (non-heme) is less absorbable than animal iron (heme). Vitamin C dramatically improves non-heme iron absorption — taking Vitamin C 1000mg alongside iron-rich meals can increase iron uptake by 50%.

Selenium

Soil selenium content varies hugely by region — European soils tend to be low. Brazil nuts are a rich plant source, but consistency is difficult. Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex provides 50µg selenium (91% NRV).

Nutri-Leaf: 100% plant-based capsules

All Nutri-Leaf products use HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) vegetable capsule shells. No gelatine. No animal-derived ingredients. Every product is clearly labelled as suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The HPMC shell dissolves reliably in the stomach, releasing active ingredients where absorption occurs.