I’m plant-based do I need a supplement?

When you make the decision to cut out animal products, it is important that you take special care of your diet to ensure you get all the nutrients you need. This involves a lot of education about plant alternatives and taking the right supplements.

Supplements to take when you follow a plant-based diet?

• Iodine – Iodine content is often lower in plant-based products so supplementation is often required, but it is also possible to achieve a good amount from fortified milks.
• Selenium – Plant-based products also contain typically less selenium, especially if grown in soil with low selenium content. As a result of this, it is a good idea to supplement with selenium.
• Vitamin B12 – B12 isn’t produced by plants so ensuring that you consume supplements or consume foods with fortified B12 will ensure that you get all the B12 you need to support red blood cell development.
• Vitamin D – For all people in the UK vitamin D is recommended in the winter months, and those that spend more time inside, have darker skin, or certain medical conditions may need to consume it year round.
• Iron – Although iron can be found in plant sources, plant based sources of iron are absorbed less easily than meat sources of iron. So, although you can get enough iron if you consume plant based sources such as pulses, dark leafy greens and fortified foods, you may also want to take a supplement to be sure you have enough iron.
• Omega 3 – There are plant-based sources of omega 3 such as chia seeds, walnuts and edamame beans, however fish sources of omega 3 are believed to be more heart healthy than plant sources. Fish get omega 3 from the algae that they consume therefore an algae supplement will give you this omega 3.

Supplements may seem like a mind field, but it can be simple. Ensure that the supplements you choose are high quality by looking at the dosage (if it meets the daily recommendation and ensure it doesn’t exceed it as that can be dangerous), if there are additives which are generally a sign of a low quality supplement, and how bioavailable the supplement is.

Rhitrition Plus provides a good quality vegan multivitamin containing iodine, selenium, iron and B12, and they also do a vitamin D spray. If you want to visit their website you can use my code BETHTRIPP10 for 10% off of any of their supplements. Rhitrition plus is a supplements company started by a registered nutritionist, and is routed in science so you know that you are getting a good quality supplement.