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You know that eating vegan is the best thing to do for your health, the planet, and our animal buddies, but you’ve also heard you can’t get all the nutrients you need solely from eating plants.
Unfortunately, it’s true. Even when we take the time to plan out our diets and make them full of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts, it’s still possible to come up short on some valuable nutrients.
So, what’s the solution? Well, you have a couple of options. One is to take individual supplements for all of the nutrients you may be lacking. The other is to find a good vegan multivitamin to cover all bases in one handy capsule or pill.
The jury’s out on which course of action is best, as some believe that multivitamins can still leave you short in some nutritional departments. However, a lot depends on which product you choose, which is why I decided to write a piece on the best vegan multivitamins to supplement a plant-based diet.
What should you look for in vegan multivitamins?
First of all, it is important to remember that you should get most of your nutritional goodness from food sources. If you are eating a healthy and varied diet, you are likely getting a great start on the nutrients you need.
With that in mind, it’s not necessary to supplement with vegan multivitamins that have 100% of the recommended daily amount for every vitamin and mineral. When searching for high-quality, daily organic multivitamins that will benefit you, you have to take a look at your diet and see where it could be improved.
For example, if you eat a lot of spinach and lentils, you probably don’t need veggie multivitamins that are high in iron.
To simplify things a little, make sure your organic multivitamins have some B12, iodine, and Vitamin D. These are common nutrients that are lacking in a vegan diet.
If you want to get a real look at how eating plant-based is affecting your nutrition, ask your healthcare provider to perform a nutritional screen. This blood test will show up all your vitamin and mineral levels, giving you the ultimate insight into what nutrients you need to concentrate on.
READ NEXT: BEST VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT | BEST VEGAN VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT | BEST VEGAN CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT | BEST VEGAN OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENT | BEST VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER | BEST POSTNATAL VITAMINS FOR VEGANS
What about vegan supplements for teens and children?
While many children’s multivitamins contain gelatin, there are plenty of alternatives to kid-friendly vitamins that are gelatin-free. While the thought of veggie vitamins may seem redundant to them, it is actually very important for their growth. (1)
As with adults, adolescents and kids should get the bulk of their nutrition from whole, fresh foods. However, it’s important for them to have enough of these six essential vitamins and minerals for proper development. This can be achieved by taking vegan vitamin supplements:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Iron
Therefore, the first thing to do is find a multivitamin that has adequate amounts of these vitamins and minerals for your teen.
Don’t forget, large doses of vitamins, especially in youngsters, can potentially be dangerous. If given in a large dose, fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins E and K, may become toxic.
Talk about your teenager’s supplement needs with a doctor so you can tailor their plan to their gender and activity level. Your healthcare provider may recommend a specific brand of vegan vitamin supplements.
Check out Mary Ruth’s Children’s Vegan Gummy Vitamins if you are looking for a good all-round vegan multivitamin for your kids. These contain a wide range of nutrients, are made in the US, and, unlike other multivitamins for children, they’re vegan certified.
Should men and women supplement differently?
Another thing that should be taken into consideration when looking for a vegan supplement is gender. For example, women who are of childbearing age have a higher need for iron than men of the same age.
Conversely, lycopene is important for men because it may improve prostate health. Also, while folate is known as being important in women’s prenatal vitamins, men also need to look for folate in their multivitamin because it helps with healthy sperm production, the protection against Alzheimer’s disease, and the prevention of certain cancers. (2, 3, 4)
Vitamin E is also an important part of a supplement for men because it reduces inflammation and protects the body from developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration. (5)
As a woman gets older, iron requirements decrease, but the need for calcium to preserve bone strength increases. Women should find the proper multivitamin to address the common deficiencies that occur at various points in her reproductive life. (6)
While gender specific multivitamins are available, many vitamins for vegans are generally the same for both men and women. However, there are a few key nutrients that may vary by product, so you should check each to make sure you’re getting what you need.
If you have specific, gender related needs, it’s important you take these into consideration when looking at vitamins for vegans.
Controversy
The truth is, many people feel veganism is unhealthy because of the risk of malnutrition. This is because animal products have a lot of certain nutrients that are only in a handful of foods that are vegan, and those are usually fortified.
For example, vitamin B12 is only occurs naturally in cells belonging to animals, yeast, and mold. Because there are very few vegan sources of vitamin B12, vegans have to be must be attentive about getting an adequate amount of this particular vitamin.
This can be difficult, especially because some vegans choose to avoid yeast and bacterial products. Therefore, it is widely recommended that all vegans get their B12 from a supplement or from fortified foods.
Some also critique vegans, saying that heavy reliance on synthetic nutrients is unhealthy. These people often believe that nutrients will only be absorbed properly if they are delivered to the body in a natural source, which isn’t practical on a vegan diet.
The other side of this argument comes when discussing health benefits coming from a different angle. Vegans are quick to point out that their diet is high in fiber, cholesterol-free, nutrient-rich, and low in fat. We’re also acutely aware that the consumption of animal-based food has been linked to several major health problems, including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Then, there’s the wider impact an omnivorous diet has. For example, another hot topic about eating meat is the environmental consequence. Many say that societies that eat meat discourage efficient food production. Vegans argue that it is careless to produce meat when more people can be fed on an animal-free diet.
Also, studies show that animal farming is increasing the environmental problems of topsoil erosion, groundwater contamination, wilderness area depletion, and greenhouse gas production. These arguments are difficult to ignore, however, some still claim that the research is not accurate. (7)
The bottom line is if you’re following a strict vegan diet, you really should be supplementing certain nutrients to stay fit and healthy. Consulting your doctor is the best way to make 100% certain you are not deficient in any of the vital vitamins and minerals we need to stay well.
Which are the best vegan multivitamins? Our Reviews
As I’ve already mentioned above, finding the best vegan multivitamins can often be a matter of personal requirements. What works well for one person may not necessarily be the best fit for another.
However, there are some brands available that do a fine job of giving vegans a balanced vitamin boost, and it’s those I’ll be concentrating on today.
Let’s take a look at five great examples.
Salaam Nutritionals Adult Gummy Multivitamins
Salaam Nutritionals Adult Gummy Multivitamins contain an immune boosting formulation of vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc, which also helps support bone health.
They are are also rich in antioxidants, which will protect your body against free radicals. Another thing I like is that they are made with all natural colors and flavors, with no artificial ingredients, irritants, or preservatives used whatsoever.
These Halal certified vitamins are sourced from high-quality ingredients to provide a wholesome and palatable gummy vitamin, making them a fine choice for both halal and non-halal vegan households alike.
Gummies will be preferable to some, and these taste pretty good, too. In terms of what they deliver, Salaam’s multivitamin packs quite a punch as well, with this formula containing a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E; iodine; calcium d; inositol; folic acid; biotin; zinc and choline.
LIKES
- Easy to take
- Kosher and Halal certified
- Budget friendly
- Good formula range
- Taste great
DISLIKES
- Some people may find these to be too sweet
Rainbow Light Performance Energy For Men Multivitamin
As their name suggests, Rainbow Light Performance Energy For Men Multivitamin is aimed squarely at male multivitamin takers, with specific emphasis on energy and prostate and sexual health.
These vitamins are made up from nutrient dense foods with a sharp focus on B vitamins in particular. Consisting of purely whole foods and herbs, these are an ideal choice for vegans.
They provide both antioxidant protection as well as nutritional support from the potent B-Complex Blend, with vitamin D3 (plant-based), vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E all present. This multivitamin also helps aid bone health thanks to the added calcium.
There’s no iron in these, which will either suit your needs or not, depending on what you’re looking for, but it does include Rainbow Light’s proprietary Performance and Stamina Blend.
These are great vegan vitamins for men who may feel that they lack energy and vigor and they have the added bonus of being produced by a well-respected name in the industry.
LIKES
- Great combination of ingredients
- Perfectly targeted for those who lack energy
- Trusted brand
- Bottle is made of recycled / recyclable plastic
DISLIKES
- Four tablets per day
- Pills are quite big
- Smell can be a little off-putting
Trio Formulas Daily Essentials Multivitamins
Trio Formulas Daily Essentials Multivitamins for vegans are created with a formula that has favorable amounts of many of the nutrients that are not easily found in most plant-based diets.
They are made with premium quality ingredients and include essentials such as vitamin E as high gamma mixed-tocopherols; a proprietary blend of natural, active isomer folates; and true amino acid chelate minerals that are both well tolerated and absorbed.
This multivitamin also contains selenium, vitamin C, and chromium, giving you a good balance of vitamins and minerals. The fact that this supplement has been formulated by naturopaths will appeal to many too.
IMPORTANT EDIT: It appears that these have changed since we wrote the post and now contain lanolin, so can no longer be deemed vegan. Thanks go to Jill for pointing this out to us.
Natures Dynamics Vegan Garden Gummy Adult Organic Multivitamin
Natures Dynamics Vegan Garden Gummy Adult Organic Multivitamin was the world’s first certified organic vegan gummy multivitamin suitable for adults, which will give you some idea of the product’s longevity and popularity.
Rather than using a synthetic coating, these multivitamins for vegans are coated in a proprietary gelling agent made from pectin from certified organic apples. Perfect for those of us who want to keep things super clean.
The vitamins and minerals in this multivitamin are sourced from organic whole foods, allowing them to supply cofactors and co-nutrients that help the digestion, distribution, and utilization of the nutrients.
Nature’s Dynamics have a great product here and it’s one I’d definitely check out. The only issue I have is that it doesn’t give you any vitamin D, which is a shame.
That being said, it could be argued that vitamin D (along with B12) should be supplemented separately anyway.
LIKES
- Certified by both the USDA and European Union Organic seals
- Berry flavor tastes good
- Contains no fillers
- Inexpensive
DISLIKES
- No vitamin D
Deva Vegan Vitamins Daily Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement
Deva Vegan Vitamins Daily Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement is a balanced multivitamin formula that is enriched with green whole foods for optimal nutrition.
This one-a-day supplement contains vegetable powders and herbs that are specifically formulated for those who eat a vegan diet, so thumbs up there!
These vitamins are high in vitamin B-12 and iron, which helps complement a vegan and vegetarian diet perfectly.
Deva are a brand you can trust, but there is an issue with these tablets – they don’t smell or taste all that great. However, if you can stomach that, these will certainly provide you with a good balance of minerals and vitamins that’ll supplement your plant-based diet nicely.
LIKES
- Guaranteed for purity, freshness and labeled potency
- Gluten free
- High in B12
- Reputable brand
DISLIKES
- Can be hard to swallow
- Poor smell and taste may be off-putting to some
- Contains a small amount of fillers
Vegan Vitality Multivitamins & Minerals
Vegan Vitality have been doing their thing in Europe for a while now, and with great success, so it’s good to see their products finally becoming available to us here in the US.
This particular vegan multivitamin is not vegan by accident. As their brand name suggests, Vegan Vitality concentrates on making the very best supplements with purely plant-based ingredients, which makes choosing any of their products a whole lot easier.
They do, however, still have to be good…so, are they?
Thankfully, they are. This multivitamin has a great blend, including 20+ different vitamins and minerals to give consumers a broad spectrum of essential support for those following a plant-based diet. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 are both present, with 20mcg and 48mcg respectively.
Best of all, this is an incredibly affordable purchase. One bottle contains 180 tablets, equalling six month’s supply! That’s streets ahead of many competitors. Bargain!
LIKES
- Wholly vegan company
- Broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals
- Incredible value for money
- Vegan Society approved
- One a day
DISLIKES
- Tablets are big and hard to swallow
- Smell and taste can be off-putting
Supplements Studio Daily Vegan Whole Food Multivitamin Plus for Men & Women
Next up, we have a highly regarded whole food multivitamin from Supplements Studio.
Unlike some of the other supplements on our list, this vegan multivitamin contains iron, a 3-strain probiotic, and a digestive enzyme complex.
While this may not necessarily suit everyone, for those in need of a little gut help along with their basic vitamin and mineral needs, this formula could be just the ticket.
Judging by the overwhelmingly positive reviews, thousands of happy customers agree. Some have done their own tests on the product by running before and after blood tests, with great results.
Some, however, found that the capsules themselves were far from secure or sturdy, and reports of broken / split / cracked capsules, while uncommon, do exist. Others speak of having allergic reactions to these, but to be fair to Supplements Studio, this can happen with pretty much anything.
All in all, the majority of consumers love this blend and the fact that it is soy free.
LIKES
- Includes a probiotic and digestive enzymes
- Improved bloodwork reported
- Soy free
- Created via fermentation, using only whole foods
DISLIKES
- Packaging, including the capsule themselves, leaves a lot to be desired
Hippo7 Vegan Complete Multivitamin
On to this complete multivitamin for vegans by Hippo7. This particular supplement will appeal to those who may struggle with hard, large, difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, as they come in the form of a softgel instead.
Specifically targeted at those who follow a plant-based diet, the Hippo7 formula boosts seven essential nutrients that can be difficult for vegans to get via their diet alone. The magnificent seven are: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3s DHA+EPA, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, and Calcium.
All of the ingredients, as one would expect and should demand, are free from synthetic colorants or synthetic fillers and their manufacturing facilities are both cGMP compliant and NSF certified.
While their are fewer consumer reports on this multivitamin than some of its competitors, the ones that do exist appear to be overwhelmingly positive.
LIKES
- Created specifically for vegans
- Nothing synthetic included
- Softgels will appeal to many
DISLIKES
- More expensive than some competitors
Wholier – Plant-Based Multivitamin
Wholier is a company on a mission, and that mission is to bring vegans the best multivitamin specifically suited to their needs and do so ethically. Enter, Wholier’s whole food multi for plant-based people!
Run by fellow vegan, Lisa Gonzalez-Turner, Wholier relies on carefully sourced ingredients that come directly from food-based sources whenever that’s achievable.
A grand total of eight minerals and vitamins, all made with ingredients like fermented chickpeas, algae, and rice, make this plant-based multivitamin an attractive proposition.
So, how does it stack up?
Pretty well, actually. Energy levels are good after just a short course of these and many report improved mood, too. Lots of people also love the fact that these multivitamins actually taste good! Infusing them with citrus may sound gimicky, but it genuinely works.
So, what are the eight vital vitamins and minerals included in Wholier? Glad you asked: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3s DHA+EPA, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, and Selenium.
All of the above is contained within a clever delayed-release capsule, so you’ll get goodness delivered to your body throughout the day. On top of that, Wholier delivers in entirely earth-friendly packaging, too. Win – win!
LIKES
- Delayed-release capsule
- Specifically targeted at vegans (although non-vegans can benefit from these, too)
- Ethical company
- Great taste and smell
- Nicely balanced formula
DISLIKES
- Not the cheapest option out there
- Some find that these can repeat on you throughout the day
Vegan Multivitamin by Future Kind
Another company trying their best to shake up the supplement scene is Future Kind, and their plant-based multivitamin is proving incredibly popular.
Future Kind is the brainchild of brothers, Shaun and Eliot Cunningham, and they are hell-bent on creating the world’s most sustainable supplement brand. Everything from packaging to the way in which their products are manufactured is taken into consideration.
This particular product of theirs is directly targeted at supporting your energy levels, mood, and ability to think clearly, and people LOVE them. Like Wholier, Future Kind’s multi is citrus flavored (this time it’s orange, not lemon) and incredibly easy to swallow. The planet-friendly packaging is a hit, too.
What of the supplements themselves…are they as good as the marketing? We think they are. All ingredients are ethically sourced and of the highest quality. The B12 levels are more than adequate and the inclusion of algae-derived Omega-3 is always a key indicator of a company doing the right thing by their customers.
Traditional supplement companies take note, Future Kind is on your tail.
LIKES
- Fast growing, ethical company
- Top quality ingredients
- Balanced formula, including algae-derived Omega 3
- Great flavor and smell
- Easy to swallow
- B Corp certified
DISLIKES
- Capsules may split and get stuck together
Dr. Tobias Adult Multivitamin Supplement
Anyone with a remote interest in the supplement industry will have no doubt heard of our final entry: Dr. Tobias Adult Multivitamin.
The rise of the Dr. Tobias brand has been meteoric since its inception back in 2013. Founder, Dr. Tobias Ihde, spotted a gap in the market and has capitalized on it ever since.
Unfortunately, that gap was in fish oils, so not exactly a vegan company, but they do have a growing range of plant-based products in their range. Personal choice will dictate whether or not you’d rather go with an entirely vegan brand or opt for the best plant-based multivitamin, regardless of the other products said company may sell.
Speaking of which, how does this multi supplement stack up? Well, it differs from some of the other vegan multivitamins reviewed here in that it has a plethora of ingredients, which would usually be a bad thing.
Not so, with Dr. Tobias.
Each of these multivitamins contains 42, yes forty-two, fruits and vegetables. Obviously, in incredibly small amounts, but that’s still an incredible amount for one formula. Do they work? It certainly seems that way, if their reviews are anything to go by. With over 5,000 reviews averaging out at 4.5 out of 5, Dr. Tobias seems to have cracked the code.
Closer inspection of the supplement facts shows a very high level across the B complex, which is something you’ll either like or hate, depending on your needs. Good to see an enzyme complex included, though, but the D3 levels could be better.
You do need to take three of these each day, too, which I know can be difficult for some of us.
LIKES
- An incredible 42 different fruits and veggies make up these multivitamins
- Affordable
- Tablets are smaller than most, making them easy to take
- Formula includes enzymes and probiotics
DISLIKES
- Dosage recommends three a day
- Can cause constipation
- B-complex is a little excessive
So, what is the best multivitamin for vegans?
Well, it’s a close call between Wholier and Future Kind. Both are great products.
All in all, I would say the Vegan Multivitamin by Future Kind takes the prize, but there really isn’t a lot in it. These seem to be the most widely enjoyed by the vegan community and, while they are more expensive than their competitors, you do get what you pay for.
These vitamins contain all of the nutrients that are commonly lacking in a vegan diet including vitamin D. Some would argue, however, that you may be better off supplementing vitamin D separately, but that’s largely a matter of personal preference and individual needs.
Final thoughts
As anyone who has done a little homework on the subject will tell you, there are a lot of multivitamins for vegetarians on the market, and choosing the best vitamins for vegans can be a challenge.
I recommend you start with Vegan Multivitamin by Future Kind and see how you get on. If it’s something you can do, get your bloodwork tested before you start and then again after 3 months to check your progress.
Although it may be difficult to shop for the best vitamins for vegans due to the presence of gelatin in a lot of supplements, hopefully these reviews have shed a little light on what you should be looking for and given you a few brands to try out.
As ever, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to drop me a line in the section below.
About The Author:
Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams is a committed vegan, passionate animal welfare advocate, and keen follower of too many v-friendly food blogs to mention. She started happyhappyvegan.com back in 2016 because she felt there was a need for more straightforward information on plant-based living.
Back then, too many sites seem to either concentrate solely on recipes or be too intimidating or inaccessible for the v-curious, and she wanted to change that. The landscape is certainly a whole lot different now!
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REFERENCES
- Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D. | Micronutrient Requirements of Adolescents Ages 14 to 18 Years | https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/life-stages/adolescents
- Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL) | Lycopene: Health Benefits and Top Food Sources | https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lycopene
- Ryan Raman, MS, RD | Folic Acid for Men: Benefits, Side Effects, and More | https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/folic-acid-for-men
- María M. Corrada, Claudia H. Kawas, Judith Hallfrisch, Denis Muller, and Ron Brookmeyere | Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease with high folate intake: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3375831/
- LPI | Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer in Healthy Men | https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/vitamin-e-and-prostate-cancer-healthy-men
- John A Sunyecz | The use of calcium and vitamin D in the management of osteoporosis | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2621390/
- Bryan Walsh | The Triple Whopper Environmental Impact of Global Meat Production | https://science.time.com/2013/12/16/the-triple-whopper-environmental-impact-of-global-meat-production/
Hi there, I went to the Amazon page of the Trio vitamins. They say their D3 is from lanolin, so not vegan.
Hi Jill,
Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. They must have changed the formula since the post was written. I will edit it now. Thanks again!
Lisa
Lisa, that’s terrible. You need to do your homework.
Hey Tri,
Thanks for commenting. I guess you’re referring to Jill’s comment above? If so, I addressed it immediately and am pretty sure this wasn’t the case at the time of writing. If it was, I’m truly sorry for the oversight and my mistake. Hope to see you back here soon!
tri – get a life. she’s trying to help. Rather than sitting there criticising why don’t you thank her for all the effort she put in, even if this woman did make an easy-to-make-slip up, given she was undoubtedly trailing through a whole slew of multivitamins trying to inform people. She made a mistake and you got all judgemental and condescending. YOU’RE terrible, you should do your social-grace homework.
I must say I appreciate your effort and find it hard to believe some people would be upset with you. You have helped me a great deal and as someone new to a plant based diet. I have benefited a lot from many websites and people’s dedication to providing so much information. In the end, we who come to the website a
Can take what is provided and then do “the homework” ourselves to determine what’s best for us. Thanks Lisa??
That’s kind of you to say so, Stephanie. Thanks for taking the time to comment ?
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