What supplements do vegans need besides B12?
Summary
B12 is the one nutrient impossible to get from plant foods alone. But several others need active management on a vegan diet, but several other nutrients deserve attention: vitamin D3 (especially at higher latitudes), DHA/EPA omega-3s from algal oil, iodine if not using iodised salt, and potentially zinc and calcium depending on dietary patterns. Most can be obtained through careful food choices, but some people will benefit from targeted supplementation.
Evidence Summary
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics confirms that well-planned vegan diets are nutritionally adequate for all life stages (Melina et al., 2016). However, "well-planned" is doing important work in that sentence. Beyond B12 -- which is non-negotiable -- several nutrients require conscious attention on a vegan diet. ## Vitamin D3 Vitamin D deficiency is common across all dietary patterns, particularly at latitudes above 35 degrees north or south, during winter months, and among people with