The Leader Nelson edition

I’m vegan, do I need to take supplement­s?

- Q: I turned vegan three months ago and I’m really enjoying it but should I be worried about nutritiona­l deficienci­es? Should I be taking any supplement­s? – Belinda A:

If you eat a vegan diet, you need to ensure you obtain optimal levels of specific nutrients that can be too low when you eat this way. With any particular diet or way of eating, it is the food choices that are made within the context of that diet that will determine whether it is nutritiona­lly adequate, not the label.

The nutrients that you need to be particular­ly mindful of as a vegan include vitamin B12, iron (particular­ly for menstruati­ng women), zinc, calcium and omega3 fatty acids.

vitamin B12 stores will generally last a couple of years, however a deficiency can cause irreversib­le damage so it’s vital that you don’t let yourself get depleted. label to see if it has calcium added.

 ?? 123RF ?? There are calcium-fortified almond milk options for those who go vegan.
123RF There are calcium-fortified almond milk options for those who go vegan.
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