Vitamins Needed for Vegans

Vegans eat a plant-based diet, and will not consume any products that come from an animal, such as meat, eggs, honey and milk, according to Medical News Today. Though a vegan diet provides many nutrients from fruits and vegetables, some important vitamins are difficult for vegans to take in their normal diets.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 aids in the growth of red blood cells and the healthy function of the central nervous system. No sources of unfortified plant products contain this vitamin, so vegans need to either seek fortified products that contain B12, or take a supplement, based on information from VeganHealth.org. Severe B12 deficiency disrupts the central nervous system, and may cause permanent conditions such as blindness or deafness. Minor B12 deficiency raises the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, facilitates the production of red blood cells, contributes to body growth and releases energy in carbohydrates, indicates MedlinePlus. Riboflavin deficiency can lead to anemia, swollen mucous membranes and lip sores. Vegan diets often reflect a lack of this nutrient, so supplementing your daily diet with riboflavin vitamins can improve your overall nutrition.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood clotting, which lowers the risk for heart disease, and may aid in relieving depression. Vegans generally have low omega-3 levels when they don't construct a diet that specifically includes the fatty acids, so they may require supplements to increase the omega-3 intake, according to VeganHealth.org.

Iron

Iron helps make blood cells, and assists hemoglobin and myoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body, That makes it essential to a person's health, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. In the U.S., iron deficiency constitutes the most common type of nutrient deficiency, and may cause symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty breathing and hair loss. When the iron levels in the body fall too low, a condition called anemia develops, presenting the same symptoms of iron deficiency, but to a greater degree. Initially a vegan may combat iron deficiency by adding foods with vitamin C to his diet and restricting coffee and tea intake, according to VeganHealth.org. If that isn't sufficient to correct the problem, a health care provider may suggest iron supplements.