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What is Bioavailability?

When we talk about bioavailability, we mean the percentage of a substance that enters the bloodstream upon being ingested. You want the supplements you take to allow for easy and maximum absorption into the bloodstream while minimizing the percentage of nutrients flushed out through the digestive system. 

Many supplement brands will promote a high Daily Value (DV) of their vitamins, knowing fully well that the way they’ve either sourced or combined those nutrients don’t actually provide the best bioavailability. This is why reading the label on your vitamins and understanding the fine print is so important – especially when it comes to vegan, plant-based products. 

What Types of Vitamins Have the Best Bioavailability?

Bioavailable Ingredients

A prime example of the importance of bioavailability is the difference between Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes calcium absorption, regulates bone growth, and plays a role in immune function. Vitamin D deficiencies come from a lack of exposure to sunlight and can lead to some serious health concerns. Traditionally, Vitamin D2 comes from plants, and D3 supplements come from animals. However, here at Vegan Life Nutrition, we source our Vitamin D3 products from lichen. 

The other major difference between the two is that we produce Vitamin D3 naturally in our bodies, while we don’t produce Vitamin D2. Our bodies are more likely to accept something it’s already used to, which means that Vitamin D3 is more likely to have a stronger impact on our bodies. 

Supplement Forms with High Bioavailability 

The delivery method of supplements also plays a role in bioavailability. A liquid vitamin, such as one that comes in a spray, is ideal because liquid has a higher bioavailability percentage than traditional capsules or gummies. 

However, for those who don’t want liquid, we also offer our vegan D3 vitamins in gel capsules and gummy forms – perfect for people who don’t prefer liquid vitamins but still want the bioavailability of vitamin D3 over vitamin D2. 

How Do You Know if Your Supplements Are Bioavailable?

When assessing your vitamins, it’s essential to ask yourself the following questions to determine if your supplements are worth taking: 

• What’s the most absorbable form of a supplement?
• What’s the purest form of the nutrients I need with the least amount of filler?
• Do I take the supplement with or without food?
• Do I have to take the supplement apart from other supplements that might interact poorly or take it at certain times of the day?

At Vegan Life Nutrition, we choose to harness our powerful ingredients from natural plant sources. Our science team works with cutting-edge health and supplement technology to bring you plant-based formulations calibrated for maximum efficacy and absorption. 

Learn more about the importance of vegan vitamins. 

Vegan Life Nutrition

Here at Vegan Life Nutrition, we are dedicated to providing a complete line of nutritional supplements for everyone. Discover our complete line of clean, high-quality, plant-based products.

The post Bioavailability in Supplements: Are Your Vitamins Really Worth It? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

What is Choline and Why is it Important During Pregnancy?

According to Healthline, “Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound. It is neither a vitamin nor a mineral. It impacts liver function, healthy brain development, muscle movement, your nervous system, and metabolism.” 

During the gestational period, choline works to support the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord and plays a role in brain development – including memory and thinking. 

Choline is found mainly in liver, egg yolks, and red meat. However, there are some vegan sources like legumes, tofu, green vegetables, potatoes, nuts, seeds, grains, and fruit. These don’t contain nearly as high a percentage of choline as animal products do. This is why a vegan choline supplement is so important. 

Benefits of Vegan Prenatal Vitamins with Choline

Choline is an important part of an effective prenatal vitamin due to its numerous benefits for the baby: 

Cell Structure

Choline is necessary for the production of fats that support the structural integrity of cell membranes. 

DNA Synthesis

Vitamins, such as B12 and folate, alongside choline, assist with the process of DNA synthesis.

A Healthy Nervous System

Choline is required to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. It’s involved in memory, muscle movement, regulating heartbeat, and other basic functions.

Learn more about what vitamins and minerals to look for in a vegan prenatal vitamin.

Prenatal Focus Bundle from Vegan Life Nutrition

The Prenatal Focus Bundle includes a bottle of Prenatal & Postnatal Basic as well as a bottle of Prenatal Focus for the extra 550 mgs of choline per serving. This bundle provides essential vitamins and minerals to women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Within each bottle, you’ll find the nutrients to support: 

• Healthy digestion *
• Promote healthy cell division and development *
• Support the fetal brain, spinal cord, heart, muscle, bone, nerve, and skin development *
• Support placenta growth *
• Promote red blood cell development *

Learn more about the Prenatal Focus Bundle.

Vegan Life Nutrition 

You can purchase the Prenatal Focus Bundle and the Postnatal Focus Bundle on the Vegan Life Nutrition website. You can also discover more about our core values and how we develop our 100% vegan products. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The post Prenatal Vitamins with Choline | A Vital Nutrient for Moms-to-Be appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

A breast cancer “thriver”

Denise Peise is from North Carolina and works as an artisan and author. Despite having faced breast cancer on three separate occasions, Denise has won each battle. She continues to live a life focused on improving her physical and mental health. She does this by practicing yoga, creating visual and written works and expressing passion for living a plant-based lifestyle. 

Denise defines herself not as a breast cancer survivor but as a thriver. This mentality comes from the idea that those living with the disease should not let it take over and affect their quality of life. Instead, those who define themselves as breast cancer thrivers and warriors are allowing themselves to live each day to the fullest. 

Thriving on a vegan diet

Denise began living a vegan lifestyle almost 13 years ago after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer and had been a vegetarian before then. Throughout the entirety of her three cancer battles, Denise made it her mission to live a clean lifestyle through proper exercise, plant-based nutrition, and her passion for art. She believes that incorporating these things into her life has helped her physically and mentally fight through the challenges she has faced. 

A change in diet was something that Denise felt would especially benefit her diagnosis. She says, “I learned through my diligence that I could benefit more along the lines of 10% or more by changing my lifestyle, especially my diet. To me, it was a no-brainer.” 

Denise completely changed her diet: She cut out processed foods and started cooking meals from scratch using only natural ingredients. She says that when she informed her doctors of her plan to not take the traditional harsh route of intense chemotherapy treatment, they expressed concern and seemed to have little faith in her. But, Denise persisted and remained true to her beliefs. “Turns out, over a decade later, I am still here and doing extremely well.” 

A creative outlet

Denise also credits her passion for art and yoga for helping her remain positive throughout her treatments.  Being able to create art has given her a creative outlet where she can express herself artistically and helped her relax under stressful conditions. Practicing yoga has allowed her to feel healthier on a physical level and has also given her a more grounded mindset. To those who are battling cancer as well, Denise recommends finding a place where you feel safe to be yourself and can do things you truly enjoy doing. She says that it’s important to find what makes you happy.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you. 

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The post Breast Cancer Thriver: Denise appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

One of the foremost reasons why many people choose to be vegan is their love of animals. We believe that animals deserve to live in peace just as humans do. For many of us, this is where our vegan journey begins, and for our friend Michelle, it serves as the sole purpose for her vegan transition. 

Michelle started her vegan journey in 2017 and in a similar way as many of our other Vegan Life Nutrition friends; as a vegetarian! It wasn’t until she became more informed about the seriousness of animal cruelty that she decided to switch to a vegan lifestyle. She also found her voice and became a vocal member of the vegan community. 

Using her voice to educate

While living a vegetarian lifestyle, she quickly came to the realization that she wasn’t doing enough to inspire change and put a stop to harmful acts against animals. She began watching different documentaries about veganism, including What the health and Game Changers, which is what inspired her to cut out all animal products from her life. 

For Michelle, watching these documentaries opened a new door to an unknown world and allowed her to develop a new appreciation for the vegan community.  Michelle maintains an Instagram account @vegout_withme_ and her posts are not only creative and original but educate others about veganism, ethical decisions, and nutritious vegan meals. She is definitely someone that inspires others!

Any dish can be “veganized” and tasty

Michelle says that she feels amazing! She has lots of energy and keeps her body nourished with food that is grown from the Earth.  When Michelle is not working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, she enjoys hiking, working out, running, yoga, cooking vegan food, painting and spending time with her dog. 

A common misperception that Michelle believes should be cleared up about being vegan is the idea that “vegans are depriving themselves from good food.” She wants everyone, especially those considering switching to a vegan diet, to know just how delicious vegan food actually is. If you don’t believe her, try out some of her favorite types of vegan dishes: Thai and Ethiopian. She also says that eating a vegan diet isn’t as hard as it seems and that pretty much all non-vegan recipes can be veganized. 

Family Support

Like many other life changes, having the support of your loved ones is key to positivity and success. Michelle shared with us that her boyfriend, sister, and stepmom have all embraced the vegan lifestyle.  She’s educating her dad, mom and brother about the benefits of making that switch.

Just like many of the others who have shared their vegan journey with us, Michelle says that going vegan is the best decision she’s ever made. Her only regret is not doing it sooner.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post Inspiring voice: Michelle appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Luis Cerna is a Washington native, and his vegan journey started behind bars in federal prison for drug-related offenses. As strange as it may sound, he says his incarceration taught him to reflect and grow his mental, physical, and spiritual health. The years of incarceration weren’t the only battle he endured. For someone who is serving a prison sentence, the surging stress levels can leave little to be positive for, and that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.

A vegan journey that’s more than diet

Luis took it upon himself to not let his sentence determine the rest of his life. He made significant lifestyle changes in a very vulnerable state and implemented greater changes when he regained freedom. He turned to veganism at the beginning of 2020. This was a New Year’s health resolution that stuck. He experienced health benefits like increased energy but found that veganism had a much greater impact on his life. He spends most of his days exercising, meditating, reading and enjoying time with his 11-year-old daughter, who he credits as his motivation for his change. 

Luis is thankful to spend more time with his family, and although they are not vegan, they are very supportive of his lifestyle change and even eat and prepare vegan dishes when he comes to visit. His absolute favorite dish is vegan fish tacos, and his go-to snack is cucumber with lemon and cayenne pepper. A simple and easy snack that we just can’t wait to try! He says that the hardest part about veganism is that, contrary to popular belief, there are actually very limited healthy vegan options available in dining restaurants. He tries to cook as much as he possibly can.

Luis says that “being vegan feels great,” especially when people ask him where he gets his high level of energy from.  He says it’s awesome knowing that his lifestyle change not only makes him feel amazing both physically and mentally but also helps give back to this planet. His biggest takeaway from his vegan journey so far is that “being vegan is  a way to give back to this planet and to yourself.”

A vegan journey through workouts, nutrition and supplements

A few common misconceptions about veganism that Luis would like to share with others are that you are unable to grow muscle mass on a vegan diet and that being vegan is expensive. In terms of growing muscle mass, Luis has been able to build muscle through daily workouts, proper nutrition and protein supplements. Luis began his vegan journey confined in prison, which is not the easiest place to begin your journey. Although Senate Bill 1138, passed in September of 2018, requires “licensed California health care facilities and state prisons to make available plant-based meal options containing no animal products or by-products,” living a vegan lifestyle in prison comes with challenges. However, for Luis, the vegan options available to him during his time of incarceration were sufficient. 

Luis’ vegan journey proves that anyone can be vegan and get the proper nutrients despite facing challenging circumstances. 

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you. 

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The post Breaking an Unhealthy Sentence: Luis Cerna’s Vegan Journey appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

An Ethical Choice

While Matt’s primary reason for going vegan was for the environment, he says that the ethical aspect was a close second for him. He embraced veganism with the new year, and that start date was January 1, 2015.  In his free time, Matt spends quite a bit of time enjoying the beauty of nature and often finds himself connecting with the animals he meets along his walks. In his eyes, they are friends who cohabitate in the same environment we live in. He truly appreciates every moment he spends enjoying nature and meeting new friends; We definitely consider him a friend to each and every kind. 

When asked by Vegan Life Nutrition what living a vegan life feels like, he said, “it feels amazing, free of guilt and definitely healthier.” Not only does his mind feel better knowing that he is making ethical choices in life, but so does his body. He no longer gets food comas and feels that he has much more energy and stamina than he did before making the switch.

Vegan Family Dynamic

Matt shared that living a vegan lifestyle is a much wider family change.  He and his wife embraced an animal-free way of life and that extended to his wife’s family as well.  He says that many misunderstand veganism.  When asked about the vegan myths, Matt jokes, “That we’re all weird hippies or that we’re a bunch of weirdos. I mean, I am, but I’ve met others that are not.” His favorite dish in his home in the United Kingdom is vegan kabobs.  Matt says that vitamins for him offer extra insurance when he “remembers to take them.”

Reforest the Web

Matt started his company with his mindset on combining his love for the planet with his passion for web design. ‘Reforest the Web’ chooses to use its platform for good rather than greed, which is something that many of its loyal customers appreciate and cherish. For every service that they sell as a team, they plant 5 trees to contribute to reforestation. Matt’s overall mission is to help others grow their businesses while also helping to build a more sustainable world. This way, everyone grows together! Each month, they plant over 1,000 trees, which Matt says “is a feeling that cannot be beat.” 

Matt is proud to have made the choice to switch to a vegan lifestyle, and he encourages others who are considering going vegan by educating them on not only the environmental benefits but additional benefits as well. The best advice he has for anyone looking to make the switch is “living a life that does good in the world is a life worth living, so don’t delay; go vegan today!

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post A vegan journey beyond saving animals: Matt Unsworth appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Vegan Life Nutrition

We’d like to introduce you to a woman who has been on quite the adventure to find her vegan journey.

Diane Yen grew up in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego shortly after college. She then moved to Japan for 5 years and to Chicago for 2 but eventually made her way back to San Diego. She just couldn’t stay away from the beach! 

It wasn’t until after she married her high school sweetheart and moved to Japan that she transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle. 

Living in Japan

Her vegan journey, like many, started as a vegetarian.  It was 1993 in Japan, and her husband was lactose intolerant and couldn’t eat dairy.  Between him giving up dairy and her giving up meat, they were almost an entirely plant-based home. 

For Diane, the switch was easy.  She told Vegan Life Nutrition, “Japan has the best tofu.” 

Smartphones didn’t exist in 1993, so learning new information about Japanese culture was not as simple as it is now.  But, she did her best to learn the necessary Kanji and Japanese phrases. She says that living in Japan also introduced her to many new vegetables and helped her really learn to love fresh vegetables. 

No Need for Meat

Diane is incredibly passionate about health, the environment, and animal cruelty and credits these three things to be what inspires her daily. In her eyes, becoming vegan was the best choice for herself, for others and the environment. It’s a decision that she cherishes. She is a huge advocate for informing others that they don’t need meat in their diet to survive and can find substitutes that taste just as good without causing harm. “Plants have protein!” 

She even had two healthy pregnancies while on a plant-based diet and exclusively nursed both of her children. Diane’s son and daughter both live out of state. She says she misses them a lot, but it is nice to know that they are still making ethical food choices while being on their own.  Although she dreams of a world that is all vegan, she says she is not the vegan police, and she herself is not perfect. She herself tries her very best to live a life that isn’t harmful to herself or to others. 

One thing she finds to be difficult about being vegan is that there are still some restaurants that do not offer vegan options. However, she is thankful that many of them do. The vegan industry has also come a very long way, which excites her and gives her hope for the future. 

We can imagine that there are many more vegan options to choose from than there were in 1993. “We only had soy milk, TVP, and cardboard veggie burgers! We typically gravitated to Asian food. Tofu for the win!” 

Her favorite vegan meal is a rice bowl with teriyaki tofu and roasted veggies. We see that even after all these years, Japan still has a large influence on her lifestyle choices. Other vegan meals that she enjoys are a savory breakfast for dinner with a tofu scramble with avocado toast and lots of veggies. She is also a lover of matcha lattes with almond milk and can’t resist a good plant-based ice cream.  

Advice for Vegans

Because Diane has been vegan for such a long time, she definitely has vast knowledge on the topic and a great deal of advice to give. She says one way that she helps share advice throughout the vegan community is by constantly recommending restaurants and new products to try and spark interest, as well as inform others of just how many options there are for vegans. She also helps by providing the vegan community information about greenhouse gases, zoonotic diseases, pandemics, heart disease, slaughterhouses, and many other important topics.  However, she does so cautiously so as not to turn people away from the idea of being vegan or to scare them. She thinks that the best way to turn people onto switching to a plant-based lifestyle is with kindness. 

Diane wants everyone considering a vegan diet to keep in mind that plants have protein and that animals are not the only source of getting it. She says that there is a very common misconception that plants cannot provide the body with the right nutrients or enough protein, which she says is just not true. The best advice she has for anyone looking to switch to being vegan is, “It’s OK to start small. Allow yourself to progress. Try things out. See what’s important to you. If it’s important to you, you will be motivated to find a way to make it work.”

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post Starting Small Leads to Big Vegan Journey: Diane Yen appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

During pregnancy, there are many limits to which medications and supplements can be taken to ensure that no harm is being done to you or the baby. The one must-have that doctors recommend during pregnancy is a prenatal vitamin. 

Taking a good prenatal vitamin is one of the simplest ways to help encourage a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. In addition to a healthy diet, they can help provide both you and your baby with the vital nutrients needed throughout each pregnancy stage. 

Weeks Before Pregnancy

Believe it or not, many healthcare providers recommend starting prenatal vitamins months prior to the pregnancy.

Healthline says the ideal time to start a prenatal supplement is actually weeks or even  months prior to conception. If you are thinking about having a baby, this may be the time to consider taking a prenatal vitamin. 

The Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins

Here are some of the great benefits of taking a prenatal supplement before pregnancy:

1. May reduce the risk of preterm birth
2. Folate supports the earliest and most critical fetal development stages
3. DHA may affect your baby’s health immediately at time of conception
4. DHA may promote an ideal balance of reproductive hormones and help improve egg quality
5. May reduce the chance of birth irregularities
6. Provide adequate sources of iron, vitamin D, and calcium
7. Reduces the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality 
8. Provide necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy is not easy and takes a lot out of you as the baby receives all of its nutrients directly from you, which can be very draining on your body. This is why you may experience various issues with physical pain as your body is depleted. Making sure that your body gets what it needs is easier to accomplish before the pregnancy begins and reduces your chances of nutrient deficiencies. If you have enough of the vitamins that you need to thrive, then you are able to adequately share those nutrients with your baby to help them grow.

Prenatal vitamins are important for your health and the health of your baby. Consult with your doctor about taking prenatal supplements if you are planning to conceive.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many women’s vegan journeys.  We are excited to bring vegan prenatal vitamins to women who are planning their pregnancies, pregnant, or have just delivered to meet their vegan nutritional desires.

Keep on the lookout for our newest 100% vegan prenatal vitamins. Pre and Postnatal Basic and Pre and Postnatal Focus launching soon. 

The post When Should Women Consider Prenatal Vitamins? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Mychael’s Vegan Journey

“It feels wonderful to be vegan,” says Mychael, “It’s like my heart, mind, and actions are aligned. It feels like coming home.”

Mychael went vegan in August of 2012 and just recently celebrated his 9th vegan anniversary. Mychael chose to become vegan because any alternative choice did not seem ethical, compassionate, or necessary. 

His vegan journey is one that truly feels meant to be. He feels strongly about living a life that protects animals and betters the world. He says that his ethical mindset matches his actions, and each day he works towards improving the planet.

Lending a Helping Hand

Mychael helps out the vegan community by asking questions that allow individuals to make the decision to become vegan on their own. He is not forceful with his efforts or aggressive and instead, approaches people with kindness and in a way that is truly helpful for them. 

Although he aims for a world where everyone is vegan, Mychael believes that they should decide for themselves that veganism is the way to go. 

It’s less about doing it because it’s right and everyone else is doing it and much more about doing it because it makes your heart happy. He also highly encourages others to become vegan and welcomes them into the community with open arms and heaps of helpful knowledge. Mychael’s wisdom and vast knowledge of the topic of being vegan make him a great source of information.

Mychael is well known within the local San Diego community of vegans and is constantly providing other vegans with helpful answers to questions they may have. Because he is an expert in horticulture, his knowledge of fruits and veggies definitely comes in handy within the vegan community. In his free time, Mychael makes it a mission to volunteer at animal sanctuaries as much as possible. Doing so not only lowers the consumption and exploitation of animals but also allows him to gain new information that he is able to share with other vegans.

Being Vegan

Mychael has been married to his wife for 14 years and has a son who lives with them. Together they live in a vegan household and make conscious choices. He says that he does not force his son to be vegan; however,  when he is able to make his own food choices, he usually opts for vegan options. Mychael says that the biggest misconception about being vegan is that the food is limited. 

“Being vegan has opened me up to new foods, new ways of seeing things, and compassion/empathy that were blocked before. It is not restrictive, but rather, expansive.”

His favorite vegan food is vegan bowls, full of his favorite veggies, fruits, grains, etc, because of how easy they are to get the nutrients you need and that they are customizable! You can have bowls for any meal of the day; Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! Although Mychael is able to get all of his required nutrients through plant-based meals, he takes B12 and vitamin D supplements for added assurance. 

Mychael’s passion for bettering the world stems from his realization that the world is struggling. He says that the biggest challenge he faces as a vegan is witnessing the immense suffering in the world and realizing that most humans willingly continue to contribute to it. 

He wants to do better not just for his community but for the world. Mychael continues to encourage others to become vegan by suggesting that they start with a vegan challenge! “There are so many out there, and you will be very surprised about just how great it feels.” You may even turn a challenge into a life-long vegan journey.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

The post Working Towards a Vegan World: Mychael McNeeley appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Many vegan parents choose to raise their young children on a vegan diet until they are old enough to make their own dietary decisions. This allows the parents to expose the children to plant-based meals and cruelty-free products that align with their personal beliefs, while also eliminating the time and energy it takes to prepare two separate meals — one plant-based and one not. 

As the vegan movement has grown in popularity over the past few decades, more people have started speculating whether or not eliminating all animal products from a child’s diet impacts their development.

It’s no secret that individuals consuming a vegan diet are more likely to experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies as their food options are more limited. If these deficiencies go unnoticed or unresolved, they can have serious consequences, especially for young children.

This is why it’s crucial for vegan parents to monitor the most important vitamins for vegan kids to ensure their children are getting the proper nutrients from their diet.

Here are some of the most important vitamins for vegan kids.

Protein

One of the most essential micronutrients in a child’s diet is protein. Protein contains compounds called amino acids that contribute to the development of bones, muscles, tissues, and organs. Protein is also largely responsible for producing enzymes and hormones. Without sufficient protein, vegan children are more likely to experience stunted growth, which can open the door to a variety of other health issues. 

While there are many plant-based foods that contain protein like beans, lentils, and whole grains like quinoa, many vegan parents decide to sneak in extra protein through all-natural plant-based protein supplements to ensure their children are getting enough protein to sustain their growth.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is the building block of various bodily processes, including protein metabolism, brain and nervous system formation, and creating red blood cells. Individuals who are deficient in B12 are more prone to nervous system disorders, anemia, infertility, and other diseases affecting heart function.

Anyone can have low vitamin B12 levels based on their diet, lifestyle, and various other factors, but since the vitamin is only found naturally in animal products, vegans have a higher risk of deficiency. Vegans can try to reach adequate levels by consuming B12-fortified foods, but the best measurable way to ensure their intake is sufficient is usually by taking a trusted vitamin B12 supplement.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial element in our bodies’ absorption and regulation of the calcium and phosphate we consume from our diet. This absorption process promotes the circulation of vitamin D in our bloodstream and is responsible for delivering other essential health benefits in many areas of the body, including strengthening bones and muscles, promoting a healthy immune system, and supporting heart health.

While vitamin D has been called the “sunshine vitamin” due to our ability to absorb the nutrient from sunlight through our skin, too much sun exposure can lead to its own health problems, and it is not a reliable way to determine if and when a person has absorbed adequate levels of the vitamin.

Because of this, many health specialists recommend that children, especially vegan children, take a vegan vitamin D supplement. 

Calcium

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, it is during childhood and adolescence that a person’s peak bone density is determined. This means that the nutrients we consume during our developmental years impact the strength of our bones for the rest of our lives. 

So, how can vegan parents ensure their children are getting enough calcium from their diet?

Luckily, there are many plant-based milks, yogurts, and cereals that are fortified with calcium available on the market. Plants like certain types of nuts, leafy greens, and beans/lentils are also good sources of calcium for vegans.

Are you looking for the best supplements and vitamins for vegan kids?

Vegan Life Nutrition offers a complete line of nutritional products for vegans and non-vegans alike, using nothing but the cleanest, highest quality plant-based ingredients to support your healthy lifestyle. Shop our complete line of products here.

The post What Are the Most Important Vitamins for Vegan Kids? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.