Looking for vegan vitamins and supplements? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve done a lot of work to scout down the best vegan supplements. All of the supplements listed below are 100% vegan: No gelatin, no casein… NO animal derivatives.
In choosing the “best” vegan supplements, we looked at several factors, including:
- The source of the nutrient.
- Bioavailability (how well does the body absorb it).
- Dosage amount.
- Cost/value of the supplements (because going vegan shouldn’t have to be expensive!).
The lists of vegan supplements will be distributed as follows:
(Click on each one to go straight to its section!)
Omega 3, EPA & DHA
Iron
Protein Powders
Bone Health (Calcium, Vitamins D & K2, Magnesium)
B Complex and B12
Multivitamins
Vegan Kid’s Vitamins
A short, final section of tips & advice. Make sure to check it as well!
Before diving into each vegan supplement, let’s talk first about the intake form. In the following lists, we include vegan vitamins in the form of pills and liquid. There’s a slight difference in the way they work: the liquid form or sublingual pills have quicker absorption, the dry pills are absorbed slower. You should ask your doctor which form suits you the best if you have any vitamin/supplement prescriptions.
We hope these lists help you pick out the best vegan supplements for your needs so you can stay healthy on a plant-based diet!
| None of this information is intended to be used as medical advice. Consult your doctor to determine whether you need supplements. All of the vegan supplements were chosen based on their quality, value, and because they are vegan. We make a small commission on any vegan supplements you buy through the links. That helps to keep this website going! |
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Omega 3, EPA & DHA
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. The “essential” part means that the body can’t make it on its own, so we have to consume it from dietary sources. You need this acid for the brain, heart, and general health. Dig deeper about it here.
This 2014 study of the Nutrition Journal concludes that:
“[Omega 3] supplementation in addition to food sources may need to be considered to help U.S. adults meet recommendations.”
On the other hand, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are some of the fatty acids that belong to the Omega 3 family. Even 2000 mg/day are considered within the limits for dietary supplementation, according to this overview of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Journal of 2013.
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- 60 calories.
- 2,5 g of Omega-3.
- 5 g of fiber.
- 3 g of protein.
- Certified organic.
- Non-GMO.
| Omega 3-DHA-EPA Supplements | Why it’s the best | Link |
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 Deva Vegan Omega 3-DHA Delayed Release |
(1) Delayed-release means that the (2) Non-Genetically Modified Organism |
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  Deva Vegan Omega 3-DHA Liquid |
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Chia is a natural source of omega-3. | Buy Here |
More vegan omega 3 supplements can be found here.
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Iron
It’s a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. The body needs iron to make the proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and myoglobin is found in muscles. They help carry and store oxygen in the body. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes in the body. Here’s an iron nutrient guide for vegetarians and vegans and its bioavailability for further information.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Iron is (for individuals between 18-50 years old) 8mg for males and 18mg for females.
| Vegan Iron Supplements | Why it’s the best | Price |
|---|---|---|
  Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Iron |
● Vegan certified. ● Non-GMO. ● 22mg of iron (122% RDA) ● 400 mcg of folate (100% RDA). ● 500 mcg of B12. ● 25 mg of vitamin C (aids absorption). ● Formula based on a blend of organic and raw fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and enzymes. ● Non-constipating and gentle on the stomach. |
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● 25mg of ferrous fumarate iron (1) (139% RDA). ● Contains B12, vitamin C (aids absorption), and folic acid. ● Vegan certified.(1) Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. |
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  Deva Vegan Chelated Iron |
● 29mg iron (161% RDA). ● Contains 30mcg of B12. ● The chelated form of iron (1) for better absorption. ● Vegan Certified.(1) This form of iron has undergone a process that results in a better binding with amino acids, making it similar to the iron we consume in food. |
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 Solgar Gentle Iron |
● 25mg of iron bisglycinate (139% RDA) per soft gel. (1) ● Non-constipating formula(1) Iron bisglycinate is another form of chelated iron. |
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More vegan iron supplements can be found here.
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Vegan Protein Powders
Even though it’s widely known that a proper vegan diet doesn’t lack the needed amount the dietary intake of protein, vegan or vegetarian athletes can benefit from an extra amount of this macronutrient to enhance their endurance and improve their training outcomes. You can also add it to your smoothies or oatmeal for a powerful and nutritious breakfast!
The RDA for protein is approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for an average, sedentary person. A 70kg individual should eat 56 grams of protein per day (70 * 0.80 = 56).
The average amount of protein for athletes, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is 1.2 to 2 gr. of protein per kg of body weight. Nevertheless, an athlete’s nutrition should be assessed by a healthcare professional (a nutritionist, a certified trainer…).
It’s also important to note that protein powders should contain complete proteins unless paired with other proteins. For example, rice protein isn’t a complete protein but soy protein is. You can even get protein powders that are mixed with two different types of protein to make it complete. Complete plant proteins include quinoa, soy, buckwheat, hemp, chia seed, and tempeh.
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| Vegan Protein Powders | Why it’s the best | Price |
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  Garden of Life RAW Protein Powder |
● Protein from organic raw sprouts. ● 22g of protein and 100 calories per serving. ● Contains vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (calcium, zinc, iron). ● Live probiotics and enzymes. ● No sweeteners or fillers. ● Non-GMO. ● Vegan and organic certified. ● Gluten-Free, Soy Free & Kosher. |
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  Plant Fusion Vegan Vanilla Plant Protein |
● 21g of protein and 120 calories per serving. ● Amino acid infused blend of pea, artichoke, sprouted amaranth, sprouted and quinoa protein. ● Contains enzyme blend for better absorption. ● Easy to digest. |
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  Jarrow Optimal Plant Proteins |
● Made from pea protein, brown rice, hemp, chlorella, and chia seed. ● Superior amino acid profile. ● 21g protein, 5g of fiber, and 130 calories per serving. ● It contains vitamin A and iron, among other micronutrients. |
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  Nutriva Organic Hemp Protein |
● 11g of protein, 12g of fiber, and 80 calories per serving. ● Excellent source of iron, magnesium, and zinc. ● Has omega 3 and 6. ● Certified organic and non-GMO. |
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  Biochem 100% Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder |
● Pea, hemp, and cranberry protein. ● 20g of protein and 110 calories per serving. ● Non-GMO. ● Gluten and soy free. |
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  Jarrow Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder, Vanilla |
● 11g of protein and 60 calories per serving. ● Contains 15% RDA for iron and 5% RDA for calcium. ● Made from non-GMO organic brown rice. |
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More vegan protein powders can be found here.
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Bone Health (Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin K2)
The NOF claims that by 2025, osteoporosis will be responsible for approximately 3 million fractures. It’s what’s called a “silent disease” because you can’t tell if your bones are weakening or not. This disease gets noticed usually after a fracture when the bones are already weakened.
Even though diet plays a major role in bone health, it might not be enough for preventing osteoporosis in the population of +50 years old.
A downside of the vegan diet is that we have a 30% higher risk of fracture possibly due to the low calcium intake, according to this comparative study with 7,947 men and 26,749 women aged 20-89 years, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007.
The RDA for calcium is 1,000 mg for an individual between 19-50 years.
To improve the absorption of calcium, the vegan supplement for bone health can be combined with different micronutrients such as:
- Vitamin D regulates calcium balance. It also affects the cells responsible for building and remodeling bones: “osteoblasts”. Its RDA is 600 IU or 15 mcg for an individual between 19 and 70 years old.
- Magnesium is required for transporting calcium ions across cell membranes. A low intake of this micronutrient results in low blood levels of calcium, and even resistance to some actions of the vitamin D. Its RDA for males between 19-30 years old is 400 mg, between 31-50 years is 420 mg; for females between 19-30 years is 310 mg, between 31-50 years is 320 mg.
- Vitamin K2 (a form of vitamin K) has a major role in transporting calcium into the bone tissue and reducing the calcification of arteries. It works hand in hand with vitamin D when it comes to bone development. Its RDA is, for males +19 years old, 120 mcg; for females +19 years old, 90 mcg.
| Vegan Bone Support Supplements | Why it’s the best | Price |
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Contains● 250% DV* of vitamin D. ● 100% DV of calcium. ● 130% DV of magnesium. ● 60% DV of vitamin K2. ● 70% DV of zinc. ● No wheat, no gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no fish/shellfish, no peanuts/tree nuts. ● Tablets made of gelatin.* DV = Daily Value |
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● 100% RDA for calcium and D2 ● 125% RDA for magnesium ● Bioavailable forms. ● Trace minerals from horsetail and seaweed. ● Gluten-free. |
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  NOW Red Mineral Algae |
● Bioavailable calcium, magnesium and 70+ trace minerals derived from red algae*. ● 1000mg calcium. ● 1000 IU vitamin D. ● 80mg magnesium. ● Non-GMO.* Red algae -like other types of algae, contains iodine, a mineral required for the thyroid gland to produce hormones. An excess of iodine can be dangerous to people with established thyroid problems (nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism…). If you have any of those, please consult with a physician before taking any algae-derived supplement. |
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  Source of Life Garden Vitamin K2 Vegetarian Capsules |
● 120mg of K2 from fermented natto (a soy derivative). ● Organic and Non-GMO certified. ● Gluten and yeast free. ● Contains a whole foods blend (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs…). |
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  Source of Life Garden Vitamin D3 Vegetarian Capsules |
● 5000 IU of vitamin D3. ● Certified organic. ● Blend of 8 different organic mushrooms. |
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  Deva Vegan Vitamin D |
● 2400 IU of vitamin D2 (600% RDA). ● Certified vegan. ● Free of gluten, yeast, sugar, soy, and wheat. |
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● Contains 1000 mg of chelated calcium. ● Also includes magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, boron, vitamin C, and copper. ● Certified vegan. |
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More vegan bone supplements can be found here.
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B Complex and B12
These are vital for transforming food into energy, for the nervous system, red blood cell formation, and other processes.
Vitamin B complex consists of 8 vitamins:
- Thiamine (B1).
- Riboflavin (B2).
- Niacin (B3).
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Pyridoxine (B6).
- Biotin (B7).
- Folic acid (B9).
- Cobalamins (B12).
Their RDA is in this article, along with further information about them.
Vitamin B12 is not present in a plant-based diet, so vegans must take it as a supplement to prevent the vitamin B12 deficiency. It is recommended that adults have at least 1.5mcg of B12 per day. This can be achieved easily, even in a vegan diet if you supplement it or eat foods already fortified with it. B12 can help with energy, digestion, and stress so it’s extremely important for us to function.
| Vegan B Vitamins | Why it’s the best | Price |
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● 5000 mcg of B12 ● Cyanocobalamin form of B12. ● Sublingual for better absorption. ● Cherry-flavored. |
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  Solgar Methylcobalamin B12 5000mg Nuggets |
● 5000 mcg of B12 in the form of methylcobalamin. ● Sublingual for better absorption ● Free from gluten, soy, yeast, sugar, and wheat. |
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  Deva Vegan B12 Sublingual |
● 1000 mcg of B12 ● Contains 100% RDA of folic acid and B6. ● Sublingual for better absorption. ● Vegan certified. |
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  Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW B Complex |
● Contains more than 100% of each vitamin B, including 133 mcg of B12. ● Raw probiotic and enzyme blend. ● From organic raw fruit and vegetable blend. ● Non-GMO, gluten-free and certified vegan. |
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More vegan B12 supplements can be found here.
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Multivitamins
According to the Position of the American Dietetic Association on Vegetarian Diets:
- Vegans tend to have lower levels of DHA and EPA than vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
- A vegan diet has a low bioavailability of iron, so our recommended intake is 8 times those of non-vegetarians.
- The bioavailability of zinc from a vegan diet is also lower, due to the higher phytic acid content.
- We have a 30% higher risk of fracture possibly due to the low calcium intake.
- Also, we have a low intake of vitamin D and a lack of vitamin B12 and iodine.
I know that bulleted list seems long and even discouraging, but actually, there’s a worldwide problem of vitamin D and the current American diet lacks potassium, dietary fiber, choline, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, according to the Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020.
This leads to thinking that any kind of diet (vegan, omnivore, ovo-lacto…) can -and should- be enhanced with supplements to achieve the levels of micronutrients required.
| Vegan Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements | Why it’s the best | Price |
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  Deva Vegan Multivitamin and Mineral Tiny Tablets |
● Contains 25 micronutrients. ● Vegan certified. ● Non-GMO. ● Gluten, yeast, soy, sugar, salt, starch-free. ● Small, easy-to-swallow tablets. ● Just one tablet per day. |
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  Deva Vegan Iron-Free Multivitamin |
● Contains 25 nutrients. ● Iron-free. ● Enriched with green foods and herbs. ● Just one tablet per day. ● Vegan certified. ● Gluten, yeast, soy, sugar, salt, starch-free. |
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● Contains 29 micronutrients. ● Contains antioxidants, digestive aids, and lipotropics. ● Sustained released tablets. |
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 Solgar Vegetarian Multi |
● Contains more than 100% RDA for 25+ micronutrients. ● Sugar and starch-free. |
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● Contains 30+ nutrients. ● Contains enzyme blend. ● Gluten-free and kosher. ● Non-GMO. |
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● Contains 100% RDA for B12 and +25 micronutrients. ● Iron-free ● Plant enzyme blend to increase bioavailability. ● Gluten, yeast, soy, sugar, salt, starch-free. |
More vegan multivitamins can be found here.
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Vegan Kids’ Vitamins
Even though growth between vegan and omnivorous children is the same, (further information and studies in this guide), remember that the vegan diet has a low bioavailability of certain nutrients.
Kids need to meet their micronutrients requirements due to their continuous physical and mental growth process. Vegan kids’ supplements can make sure the proper intake levels are being consumed.
This article has great tips for raising vegetarian children, including breastfeeding, starting on solid food, and getting toddlers to eat their veggies.
Before adding vegan kids’ supplements to your child’s diet, please look for proper medical advice from your pediatrician. Remember that supplements are not compensation for a poor diet.
| Vegan Kid’s Supplements | Why it’s the best | Price |
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● Sour gummies, with 4 different flavors and organic colors. ● Contains 14 vitamins and minerals. ● Allergen, gluten, dairy, and gelatin free. |
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  Seeking Health Kids Optimal Multivitamin Vegetarian Capsules |
● Bioavailable forms of nutrients. ● Wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, and soy-free. ● Contains 27 nutrients. ● Suitable for the whole family. |
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  VegLife Vegan Kids Multiple |
● 13 nutrients. ● Chewable, berry flavor. ● Contains natural sweeteners. ● Certified vegan. |
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  Vitamin Friends Iron Bear Vegetarian Gummies |
● Contains 15mg of iron ● Contains B vitamins and zinc. ● Strawberry gummies are made from fruit pectin. ● Organic and vegan certified. ● Autism approved. |
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  Gummi King Vegan Calcium Plus Vitamin D Vegan Gummies |
● Calcium and vitamin D supplement. ● 6 natural fruit flavors. ● Gelatin, soy, gluten, and allergens-free. |
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  Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA Vegetarian Drops |
● Contains DHA, EPA, and vitamin D ● Non-GMO and hexane-free. ● Derived from algae oil. ● Made in a controlled environment. ● Includes a measure-dropper for dropping to the formula or food. |
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More vegan kid-friendly multivitamins can be found here.
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- Check the following links if you want further information about the Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes of minerals and vitamins from both sexes and all ages, including pregnancy and lactation.
- Iron poisoning was very common among kids taking supplements a few years ago. If you believe your kid has symptoms of iron poisoning or has a supplement overdose, take him/her to the ER immediately. This advice goes to adults as well.
- Don’t take supplements in place of, or in combination with, prescribed medications without your health care provider’s approval.
- If you are scheduled to have any type of surgical procedure, ask your doctor whether you should take supplements.
Please talk to your doctor before taking any of these vegan vitamins, and take the time to educate yourself about vegan nutrition requirements (more information here and here). Supplements are not magic pills that can compensate for bad nutrition. Further, vitamins and minerals don’t act alone – they work together in complex ways so the body can absorb them and use them. One example of this is how calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 all work together to help your bones stay strong (more examples here).
Algaes (the main component of many vegan supplements) contain iodine, a mineral required for the thyroid gland to produce hormones. An excess of iodine can be dangerous to people with established thyroid problems (nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism…). If you have any of those, please consult with a physician before taking any algae-derived supplement. Don’t decide to take dietary supplements to treat a health condition without medical advice.