Following a well-balanced plant-based diet offers numerous benefits. Want to lose weight? Go vegan! The high-fiber diet helps you shed a few pounds and lower fat content in the body, naturally reducing the risk of various chronic diseases as well. While incredibly beneficial for the body and the environment, a vegan diet does require a little more attention.
Excluding animal products from the diet may leave you susceptible to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Here are 4 supplements that you might incorporate within your vegan diet.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the body as it fuels protein metabolism as well as the formation of red blood cells that prevent anemia. A deficiency in the nutrient can lead to nervous system failure, bone diseases, and even an increase in the risk of infertility.
Many plant-based foods contain a high amount of vitamin B12, which is why there is a prevalent misconception that vegans are not at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, because the body absorbs a small amount of B12, you will have to intake foods rich in the nutrient at least twice or thrice a day to meet the minimum required dosage or fulfill intake via supplements.