What Supplements Should You 30Take if You’re a Vegetarian?
I asked the Google AI program Barb that question. Here is Bard’s response:
Here are the three most important supplements to take if you’re a vegetarian:
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and the function of the nervous system. It is not found naturally in plant foods, so vegetarians need to get it from supplements or fortified foods.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that have many health benefits, including heart health, brain health, and immune function. They are found in fish, but vegetarians can get them from plant sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. However, it can be difficult to get enough omega-3s from plant sources alone, so some vegetarians may benefit from taking a supplement.
- Calcium: Calcium is important for bone health. Vegetarians can get calcium from plant sources such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and fortified foods. However, some vegetarians may not get enough calcium from their diet, so they may benefit from taking a supplement.
In addition to these three supplements, vegetarians may also want to consider taking a multivitamin or mineral supplement to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Here are some other supplements that vegetarians may consider taking:
-
- Iron: Iron is important for carrying oxygen in the blood. Vegetarians can get iron from plant sources such as lentils, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals. However, some vegetarians may not get enough iron from their diet, so they may benefit from taking a supplement.
- Zinc: Zinc is important for immune function and wound healing. Vegetarians can get zinc from plant sources such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. However, some vegetarians may not get enough zinc from their diet, so they may benefit from taking a supplement.
- Iodine: Iodine is important for thyroid function. Vegetarians can get iodine from plant sources such as seaweed, iodized salt, and dairy products. However, some vegetarians may not get enough iodine from their diet, so they may benefit from taking a supplement.
It is important to note that these are just general recommendations. The specific supplements that you need will depend on your individual dietary needs. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.