If you’re vegan and looking for a multivitamin to help your athletic performance, you may be wondering where to start. Many different vegan multivitamins are on the market these days, but not all are created equal.
In this article, you’ll learn about the things to keep in mind before buying a multivitamin for vegan athletes. Read ahead to get a better idea about how to shop for the best multivitamin for vegan athletes.
Table of Contents
Free of Synthetic Ingredients
One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a vegan multivitamin is to make sure that it is free of synthetic ingredients. Synthetic ingredients are often used in multivitamins as fillers or binders, and they can do more harm than good. Many athletes prefer avoiding synthetic ingredients because they can cause digestive issues and may even interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
Certified Vegan
When shopping for a vegan multivitamin, make sure that it is certified. This certification ensures that the product does not contain animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. Certified vegan products are typically made with natural ingredients that the body is more easily tolerated.
Third-party Tested
Third-party testing is an independent type of testing conducted by a company not affiliated with the manufacturer. This testing can give you peace of mind knowing that the product meets all safety and quality standards.
Should Be Formulated for Athletes
It means that the multivitamin will contain ingredients specifically chosen to support the needs of an athlete. Formulated multivitamins often have higher doses of specific vitamins and minerals than general-purpose multivitamins.
Ensure that it includes vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Taking a daily multivitamin can help meet your nutrient needs and support your athletic performance.
Vitamin B12 Should Be Derived From Methylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 is essential for athletes because it helps maintain energy levels, supports red blood cell production, and aids in the metabolism of fats. It is found in many different foods, but it is most commonly derived from animal products.
If you are vegan, you’ll need to ensure that vitamin B12 is derived from methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is a type of vitamin B12 found in some plant-based foods, and the body more readily absorbs it than other forms.
Contains Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another critical nutrient for athletes, and it can be found in very few foods. The best way to get it is through exposure to sunlight, but this can be difficult to do if you train indoors or live in a place with limited sunlight. Many athletes take a supplement containing vitamin D. It is essential for athletes because it helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are essential for bone health.
Should Include Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for athletes, and it can be found in many different foods. However, vegan athletes may need to take a supplement that contains iron because they are at a higher risk for iron deficiency. Vegan diets often lack heme iron, which is the type of iron found in animal products and is more easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron, found in plant foods, is not as easily absorbed by the body. It means that vegans may need to consume more iron than non-vegans to meet their needs.
Calcium and Omega-Fatty Acids
Finally, ensure that the vegan multivitamin contains calcium and omega fatty acids. Calcium is critical for athletes because it helps to maintain bone health. Omega-fatty acids are essential for athletes because they help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Many vegans do not get enough of these nutrients from their diet, so it is essential to take a supplement.
So here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best multivitamin for vegan athletes. Taking a daily multivitamin will help you meet your nutrient needs and support your athletic performance.
