Are you looking for a multivitamin that is safe for vegans? What are the best Vegan Multivitamins Brand? While vegans can get almost every nutrient from their plant-based diets, there are some that can be a little hard to get so it is better to supplement them.
Due to our modern lifestyles and eating habits, vegans and non-vegans are at risk of certain vitamin deficiencies and are better off taking a multivitamin paired with a healthy diet.
However, since traditional multivitamins often use ingredients that aren’t vegan and aren’t always upfront about it, it can be especially challenging to find a multivitamin that is vegan friendly.
Best Vegan Multivitamin Editor’s Choice
LivBody Complete Vegan Multivitamin
Why we love it:
- Vegan, Gluten-Free and Organic.
- Complete Multivitamin and Mineral Profile
- Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics
- Omega and Antioxidant Blend
- Whole Foods, Fruit, and Veggie Blends.
- No additives
What is a Vegan Multivitamin?
While plants contain more than enough vitamins and minerals, vegans will not always follow a perfect diet. This is where a multivitamin can help provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to stay on top of its game.
A Vegan Multivitamin is one that is specially created to supplement the needs of people who follow a plant-based diet providing the nutrients they can have a hard time getting such as Vitamin B12, Omegas 3, and Vitamin D.
Furthermore, vegans are usually unable to consume regular multivitamins since they include animal ingredients like gelatin, magnesium stearate (from pork), caprylic acid (from cow, sheep, or goat’s milk), and carmine (from beetles).
In this scenario, vegan multivitamins provide them with a formula that is free of animal ingredients and hasn’t undergone animal testing.
What vitamins do vegans need?
Vegans can get a lot of the nutrients they need from plant-based sources, but for some essentials, it can be tough.
Vegans can get a lot of the nutrients they need from plant-based sources, but for some essentials, it can be tough.
Here are some of the vitamins and minerals vegans are better supplementing.
1. Vitamin B12
B12 is essential to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy.
While B12 is produced by bacteria, there aren’t animal plant-based sources available at the moment. Non-vegans can get their vitamin B12 from meat, fish, eggs, and milk, but those are obviously not vegan friendly.
Some vegans foods like plant-based milk and nutritional yeast are fortified with B12 but it is hard to get enough of them to meet the recommended daily dose.
This is why supplementing b12 with a lab-made version, which is molecularly identical to the nutrient found in nature, is the best option.
2. Omega 3 DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to support brain and heart health BUT the primary source of Omega-3 DHA is fish. Even most supplements out there use fish oil as their Omega 3 DHA making them not vegan friendly.
Thankfully, vegan-friendly multivitamins have found that they can get Omega-3 fatty acids by going straight to the source where fish get it from: algae.
As a side benefit, 750 anchovies are saved on average per bottle of vitamins.
3. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is essential for your body to absorb calcium and promote bone growth, support immune function, mood, memory, and muscle recovery.
Unfortunately, there are very few foods that contain vitamin D, and the ones that are fortified with vitamin D are considered to be insufficient to meet the daily requirements.
Vitamin D can be made from sun exposure but people living in colder climates or those who spend little time outdoors may be unable to produce enough.
This is why it is recommended for vegans to get their Vitamin D through a daily supplement. Although vitamin D2 is probably adequate for most people, some studies suggest that vitamin D3 is more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D (1)
4. Iodine
Iodine is essential for a healthy thyroid function, which controls your metabolism.
An iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and cause symptoms like low energy, dry skin, tingling in your hands and feet, depression, and weight gain.
High iodine levels can be found consistently found in iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, and dairy products.
Besides seaweed, some plants can contain it but the levels depend on the soil in which they were grown. For instance, those grown close to the ocean tends to be higher in iodine.
Vegans who do not want to consume iodized salt or eat seaweed several times per week should consider supplementing iodine.
5. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s crucial for metabolism, immune function, and the repair of body cells. A deficiency in zinc can lead to developmental problems, hair loss, diarrhea, and delayed wound healing.
Since, few plant foods contain high amounts of zinc and it can have a limited absorption, vegans are at higher risk of not getting enough of it.
While not all vegans have low blood levels of zinc, a recent review of 26 studies showed that vegetarians — and especially vegans — have lower zinc intakes and slightly lower blood levels of zinc than omnivores (2).
Best Vegan Multivitamins
1. Editor’s Choice: LivBody Complete Vegan Multivitamin
Why we love it:
- Vegan, Gluten-Free and Organic.
- Complete Multivitamin and Mineral Profile
- Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics
- Omega and Antioxidant Blend
- Whole Foods, Fruit, and Veggie Blends.
- No additives
LIV Body’s Complete Vegan Multivitamin provides a complete multivitamin and mineral profile plus they have added green and whole food blend, herb blend, vegetable blend, fruit blend, omega blend, and digestive enzymes and probiotics to maximize the absorption and bioavailability of the nutrients.
While other products are pressed with several “un-natural” ingredients like dicalcium phosphate and microcrystalline cellulose that are hard for your body to digest, LivBody’s uses only vegetable cellulose to ensure that your body can fully utilize the nutrients as much as possible.
Not only does it provide a complete vitamin and mineral profile that covers 100% of the RDA of the nutrients vegans should supplement but it also does contain any nasty additives or fillers.
Customer Review
“Vitamins make me a superwoman!I am so pleased with these vitamins!! My doc said I needed to supplement my diet while I was amping up miles for marathon season. I take one of these fabulous vitamins before each meal. Within three days my energy was up and my stamina during runs and speed of recovery has skyrocketed. Thanks, y’all! Love your products!”
2. Performance Lab NutriGenesis Vegan Multivitamin
Highlights
- 17+ vitamins and minerals to boost overall health
- Supports cardiovascular health and metabolic performance
- Promotes healthy skin, hair and nails
- Vegan-friendly, caffeine-free, non-GMO
- Customized for men; gender-specific dosages and hormonal support
Performance Lab vitamins are lab-grown using NutriGenesis® technology which focuses on creating nutrients that are highly similar to the ones found in nature. They claim it makes “the ingredients more advanced than any other supplement on the market”.
They provide 100% the RDA of DV of 17+vitamins and minerals with added probiotics, fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants that enhance their bioavailability, boost absorption and maximize benefits.
They have different formulas for men and women created according to the specific needs of each one. The men’s formula contains higher levels of boron, which improves testosterone release. And the women’s formula contains iron, which is an important mineral for women’s health.
Customer Review
“I have lots of sensitivities to ingredients in products all across the board, but I needed a multivitamin. It’s been 4+ years of trial and error that brought me to this company. I’m pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully easy they are on my body and how good I feel taking them.”
3. Healthy Cell vegan Essential Multivitamin
Highlights
- Contains all the essential vitamins and minerals.
- Added biotin to support muscles, bones, nails, hair, and brain function
- Ideal if you don’t like tablets or capsules
- Mixes well in shakes or drinks
- Cruelty-free Ingredients with 100% recyclable packaging via TerraCycle
Healthy cells Vegan Essentials Multivitamin has a distinctive microgel form which they claim helps to improve the absorption of precious micronutrients for better health.
This is accurate for some nutrients like B12 where the nutrient can be absorbed through the tongue and released into the body without being broken down by stomach acid.
They also claim it helps to avoid binding glues, fillers, coatings, and flow agents but most brands use a healthy version of these nowadays.
HealthyCell multivitamin covers your daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as an essential fatty acid omega 3. They have also added biotin and Vitamin E which supports skin, nails, and hair health.
The gel has a peach mango flavor that can be consumed right from the pack, mixed in water, or add to your favorite smoothie.
Customer Review
“I am vegan since 2014 and noticed that I might be lacking in vitamins/minerals. I also knew that the body does not absorb most vitamins effectively. While doing some research, I came across the Healthycell website and I liked what I read. I decided to try it out and ordered Vegan Essentials. So far, so good… I am very satisfied and recommend it.”
4.Ritual Essential Women’s Vegan Multivitamin
Highlights
- University-Led Clinical Trial
- No-Nausea Capsule Design
- Vegan Certified, Gluten, and Allergen Free.
- Focus on transparency and efficacy.
- Money-back guarantee
- Focused on women with options for prenatal or postmenopausal one.
Ritual is a multivitamin made especially for women with a focus on efficacy and transparency. You can find Ritual in its regular version, or its prenatal or postmenopausal one.
They claim that other multivitamins have 20+ ingredients that you can easily get more than enough from foods and theirs contains only the nutrients you truly need, in bioavailable forms your body can actually use.
Each of Ritual’s regular multivitamins includes nine ingredients: vitamin K2, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, boron, iron, vitamin E, magnesium, folate, and plant-based omega-3s.
Ritual works as a subscription model but You have the option to modify your shipping or cancel at any time. They will also refund your first order if you are not happy with it.
Customer Review
“I really enjoy taking Ritual vitamins. I love all the supplements included in one capsule and that I can take it with or without food. It made a big difference for me not having to buy so many different supplements to get what I needed and taking my handful of daily vitamins down to two capsules. Cost wise and quality-wise, taking ritual was and still is a great choice for me.”
5. Whole Food Vegan Multivitamin Plus
Highlights
- All organic ingredients
- 100% RDA
- 3-strain probiotics
- Added CoQ10 supports heart health and helps reduce oxidative damage
- Added turmeric helps decrease inflammation
Whole Food Vegan Multivitamin Plus is another great vegan multivitamin option that provides you with 100% of recommended daily value for 25 vitamins and minerals from organic fruit and vegetable blends.
In addition, it contains CoQ10, L-Arginine HCI, L-Carnitine for optimal heart health and 3-Strain Probiotic and Enzymes Complex to boost your immune system
Customers report a significant increase in energy and mental clarity as well as improved blood work.
Customer Review
“I can definitely tell if I forget to take these in the morning! Energy levels are up and anxiety levels are down. I’m thinking it may be the magnesium that’s helping with the anxiety but, whatever it is, I am SO thankful for the unexpected additional benefit! Will certainly be buying these again when I start getting low on my current bottle!”
6. Mighty Fox Vegan Multivitamin Gummies
Highlights
- Fairly inexpensive
- Good taste with natural flavors.
- A great alternative to capsules
- Suitable for women, men, and children above 2 y/o.
- Added biotin for skin health.
As a vegan I am not used to being able to enjoy gummies so if you give me the chance of eating some while getting my nutrients in, I’d happily take it.
Mighty Fox Vegan Multivitamins contain all the essential vitamins and minerals to meet your daily needs like vitamin C, A, B12, B6, B5, and B3. They have also added biotin which supports skin health.
These gummies are a great option for those who do not like pills plus they are suitable for men, women, teens and children above 2 years old.
Users report being very satisfied with the flavor for which they only use natural colors and flavors such as strawberry, pineapple, and oranges.
Customer Review
“This is the first time using these vitamins for my two-year-old daughter since she is a little underweight for her age. I’m very conscientious about what goes into my daughter’s body since she was a premie at birth. My daughter wouldn’t really eat mostly she would drink her milk but since she started with these vitamins she has gotten a big appetite plus she loves how they taste.! It a double win on my behalf. I definitely recommend these vitamins!”
Why should vegans consider a multivitamin?
If a plant-based diet is the healthiest option undoubtedly, why do some vegans have insufficient micronutrient levels and should consider a multivitamin?
- Poor absorption of nutrients. Conditions like IBS or even stress can contribute to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Medications. Some medications can affect your gut and diminish your ability to absorb nutrients like vitamin B12.
- Less nutrient-dense foods. Due to modern farming methods, many foods contain far fewer nutrients than they used to.
- Dietary choices. A vegan diet is not synonymous with a healthy one. A plant-based diet of mainly processed foods will contain fewer micronutrients and lead to nutrient deficiency.
Even on the healthiest vegan diet, there are some vitamins and minerals that are very hard to get. This doesn’t mean a vegan diet is unhealthy or unnatural. As you can see many of the reasons above apply to both vegans and omnivores.
How to choose the best vegan multivitamin?
Looking for a vegan multivitamin that meets all your needs and if transparent about their ingredients can be tricky. Some traditional multivitamins use a lot of ingredients that aren’t vegan and they aren’t always upfront about it do it is important to check the labels and know what to look for.
Things like sheep’s wool, cow hooves and bones, gelatin, and shellac are all common and often not mentioned so it is best to look for a multivitamin that clearly states that it’s vegan-friendly on the packaging.
If you have any other concerns like allergies or intolerances it is also recommended that the packaging has gluten free, allergen free, or GMO free statement.
Finally, if you have the option to choose between capsules or tablets, we recommend vegetable capsules since they’re the most natural and are easily digested.
On the other hand, tablets tend to have more bulking agents, coatings, and excipients that can make them harder to digest.
Benefits of Vegan Multivitamins
Some of the pros of taking a vegan multivitamins are:
1. You Don’t Have to Compromise
Whether you follow a vegan diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, taking a vegan multivitamins means you can continue with your lifestyle without compromising your principles with a regular multivitamin.
Thankfully, any nutrient that is hard to get on a plant-based diet, can be easily supplement with a multivitamin to support your optimum health and well being.
2. Provides you with essential nutrients
Yes, this is the main benefit after all but the truth is that if you are not getting the essential nutrients you need from your diet, you are actually missing out and compromising on your health in the long term.
At the same time it provides you with the necessary nutrients, it offers you peace of mind and tranquility since nobody is able to follow a perfect diet all the time and by taking a daily multivitamin you can rest assured that you are giving your body all it needs to keep your working as best as it can.
3. Increased Energy and Mood
Fatigue, irritability, and even depression can be signs of nutrient deficiency. When you are not giving your body what it needs to thrive, it can affect your life, work and relationships.
Sometimes their diets or nutrition is the only thing people look at when they are feeling unmotivated but your mood and energy depend a lot on what you feed your body and a simple choice like taking a multivitamin can make a huge difference in your energy and overall well being.
Vegan Multivitamin Frequently Asked Question
Should all vegans take multivitamins?
While a plant-based diet has proven to be healthy and suitable for all stages of human life, there are some nutrients that vegans and non-vegans have a hard time getting so a multivitamin that can easily cover all your required needs is recommended in most cases.
Are all multivitamins vegan?
Unfortunately, not all multivitamins are vegans since some contain animal derived products like gelatin which comes from bone marrow. As a vegan, you want to make sure to read the ingredients carefully and preferably choose a multivitamin marked clearly as vegan on the packaging. All the multivitamins mentioned in this article are also 100% vegan.
Can you be vegan without taking any supplements?
Yes, you can be vegan without taking any supplements. Technically, the only nutrient you can not get from a plant-based diet is Vitamin B12 so you would need to make sure to get enough of it from fortified foods. You could ger Omega 3s by consuming algae oil and Vitamin D from sun exposure but it can be challenging to get enough of it constantly so that’s why a supplement tends to be an easier choice.
Are Vegan Multivitamins safe for children?
Of course, there are multivitamins created especially for children since their required doses will be different. Most pediatricians will agree that it is better for children to get their nutrients from foods but in the case of a child following a plant-based diet it can be more challenging. We recommend you consult your pediatrician before giving any multivitamin to your child.
What is the best Vegan Multivitamin?
Our pick for the best vegan multivitamin goes to LivBoby Complete Multivitamin.
After taking these vitamins for 5 months I have seen a noticeable difference in my health, energy, and overall feeling throughout the day.
It has all the micronutrients I’ve been looking for to supplement with so I can feel confident I am giving my body everything it needs. When I went a week without them and could tell my body missed them so they definitely make a difference.
I have taken other vitamins before and some would upset my stomach but with these ones I feel completely fine and if anything, I think the probiotics have help my digestions and my skin.
Editor’s Choice: LivBody Complete Vegan Multivitamin
Why we love it:
- Vegan, Gluten-Free and Organic.
- Complete Multivitamin and Mineral Profile
- Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics
- Omega and Antioxidant Blend
- Whole Foods, Fruit, and Veggie Blends.
- No additives
Best Vegan Multivitamin Takeaway
The best multivitamins for vegans are those who focus on providing the nutrients vegans can have a hard time getting through a plant-based diet.
While a vegan diet is the healthiest alternative for all stages of life, there are some vitamins and minerals that are hard to get due to our modern lifestyle and the way food is processed nowadays.
In this scenario, a vegan multivitamin is the best alternative to make sure you are giving your body everything it needs to thrive and stay in optimal health.
Whether you are vegan for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, taking a vegan multivitamin can help fill in the gaps as well as improve your mood and energy.
When looking for the best vegan multivitamin it is best to go for one that states it is vegan clearly on the packaging. Nowadays most high quality vegan multivitamins are also organic and gmo free so there is no reason why not to choose one that ticks all the boxes.