The Best Vegan Multivitamin Supplements Reviewed

Vitamin supplements are among the most widely used in the world, with many people having been given them as children by their parents for decades. Many will then continue to use them as they get older, to improve their health or make up for deficiencies they know they have in their diet.

When it comes to vegans, the topic of multivitamin supplements is even more important. This is because the restrictive nature of their diet means it will be hard or even impossible to obtain some vital nutrients or enough of them, so supplements must be used to keep their levels up and healthy.

However, with them being so popular, there are an incredible number of different multivitamins on the market, each with its own unique selling point. This can make it difficult for a regular person to pick an option that is best for them, without even having to worry about ingredients they can’t eat.

This makes selecting the ideal multivitamin for a vegan even more important and challenging, as they must balance not only what they need it to contain but also what it must not contain as well. That is why we have compiled the following list of the best vegan multivitamin supplements.

Our list will contain options suitable for vegans with all different needs and wants. So, if you are seeking the best vegan multivitamin supplements to help you stay fit and healthy, you are sure to find something to suit you in the following article.

The Benefits Of Taking A Multivitamin Supplement

Many vegans will look to use a multivitamin supplement to get nutrients that their diet is deficient in. However, there are a number of other benefits that can be achieved by taking multivitamins as well, depending on what they contain, which is why many other groups of people use them too.

They can boost your mood and energy levels, reduce anxiety and tension, enhance mental health and cognitive functions, increase muscular strength, and improve the health of your heart, immune, and digestive systems.

This makes taking a multivitamin supplement a good idea whether you are seeking to improve your physical performance or simply want to optimise your overall health and well-being.

What To Look For Recommended Vitamins & Minerals For Vegans

There is a huge range of different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the human body. They all have their own unique jobs, offer different benefits to improving our health to boosting physical performance, and come from a wide variety of different sources.

It is that last part that makes the contents of a multivitamin particularly important for a vegan to pay attention to. While your first concern may be that all of the ingredients are vegan friendly, it should be closely followed by exactly what vitamins and minerals it contains compared to the food you eat.

This is because the vegan diet is much more restrictive than an omnivorous one, so vegans will have much more difficulty keeping their levels of certain macro and micronutrients up naturally. With that in mind, we will now look at the 7 top recommended vitamins and minerals for vegans.

These will be the things you are much more likely to be in need of due to your diet, so making sure your chosen multivitamin contains them is paramount to it being the right option for you.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin that the human body produces naturally in the skin when it is exposed to the sun and can also be obtained from a few foods, like beef liver, dairy, oranges, and seafood.

However, foods that naturally have vitamin D are rare, and foods fortified with vitamin D are often deemed to have an insufficient amount of vitamin D to satisfy the daily requirements of humans. This has led to worldwide reports of vitamin D deficiency among vegans and omnivores alike.

It is most often seen in supplements for its famed power to strengthen bones and muscles but perks like boosting the immune system and preventing depression, and also helping to keep you safe from the heart and inflammatory diseases, have led to it being added to less fitness-oriented products.

Calcium

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal that is deemed to be an essential mineral for humans. It is most commonly found in milk and various other dairy products, as well as in rocks like limestone, where it is present in the form of calcium carbonate.

Long proven as one of the key minerals to help bones and teeth to grow and stay healthy and strong, it can also boost the health of your heart and muscles. Other benefits of calcium include making sure your nerves work properly and preventing issues like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Calcium can be found in some plant sources, such as bok choy, broccoli, calcium-set tofu, chickpeas, fortified plant milk or juices, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and watercress. That said, most don’t contain large quantities and studies tend to agree that most vegans don’t get enough calcium.

Vitamin B12

Also known as Methylcobalamin, vitamin B12 is vital for the metabolism of cells throughout the human body. It also has a big role in metabolising nutrients like carbs, fat, and protein, making sure the nervous system works properly, helping red blood cells mature, and preventing anemia.

Vitamin B12 is also required for the production and maintenance of bone marrow, blood cells, and nerve sheaths, and for human DNA to be effectively synthesised. When consumed in the human diet, it is most commonly seen in dairy products, eggs, fish, fortified cereals, and meat.

Multiple studies have shown that, while anyone can have low levels of vitamin B12, vegetarians and vegans are at a much greater risk of developing a deficiency. This appears to be particularly true for vegans who are not taking any supplements, as there are very few other places for them to get them.

Iodine

Iodine is a halogen chemical element and the heaviest essential element nutrient. It is considered to be vital for the optimal functioning of a number of systems throughout the human body, such as those that produce saliva, milk, and gastric mucus, develop brain cells and strengthen arterial walls.

It was originally discovered in seaweed, and it and kelp remain among the most popular sources of iodine. That said, other popular natural sources include fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, beef liver, chicken, and even iodised table salts.

Vegans are considered to be greatly at risk of iodine deficiency, and studies report that vegans have up to 50% lower blood iodine levels than vegetarians and even more significantly reduced levels when compared to omnivores.

Omega 3

Omega 3s are a form of polyunsaturated fatty acid. They are extremely effective to help the body of most animals to metabolise various types of fat. They are said to be essential, which means that the human body isn’t able to produce them naturally, so you must consume them in your diet.

Omega 3s come in two forms, known as DHA and EPA. They are widely associated with oily fish which, along with oily plants and some other marine animals, is also the best place to source them. However, they can be found in things such as grains, nuts, and seeds as well.

Omega 3s are also especially good at lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, boosting the health of the heart, enhancing the functions of the circulatory system, and reducing the likelihood that you develop severe cardiac disease or condition.

Research consistently shows that vegetarians and vegans have up to 50% lower blood and tissue concentrations of both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) than omnivores, which can go even lower if they don’t follow proper supplementation routines.

Zinc

Zinc is a brittle metal element and essential mineral that is vital for humans, especially in the early years of their life and development. Zinc deficiency is among the main causes of malnourishment in the developing world and causes health problems for about two billion people worldwide each year.

Zinc promotes growth and the synthesis of DNA, enhances your vision, boosts your metabolism, reduces inflammation and the signs of aging, and promotes an effective immune system, while also encouraging better wound healing and blood clotting.

Unfortunately, zinc is an essential mineral that the human body can’t make itself and few plant food sources contain it in high amounts. Zinc absorption from some plant foods is also limited due to their phytate content, so vegetarians are encouraged to aim for 1.5 times the RDA in supplement form.

Iron

Iron is a chemical element and one of the hardest, most abundant metals on Earth. It is vital for the human body to successfully function and complete a number of its core processes. It is perhaps the most important substance to consume to ensure your muscles grow and your bones stay healthy.

It is extremely well known for its ability to boost the immune system, improve the functions of your gastrointestinal systems, regulate body temperature, effectively produce red blood cells and make sure they are transported around the body as efficiently as possible.

Vegetarian and vegan diets vary in iron levels but are very often low in minerals. As a result, many vegans are recommended to aim for 1.8 times the normal RDA. Vegans with a low iron intake should aim to eat more iron-rich foods, like beans, cruciferous vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, peas, and seeds.

Iron-fortified foods, such as cereals, enriched bread, and some plant milk, can further help with the issue, but supplements are by far the quickest and simplest way for vegans to top up their levels.

The Best Vegan Multivitamin Supplements

Now that you have a good idea of the vitamins and minerals that vegans are deficient in and what they do, we will now move on to our list of the best vegan multivitamin supplements currently on the market.

While these will primarily feature options that revolve around the micronutrients we looked at above, they will also cover a whole range of other different considerations too, such as price, to ensure everyone can find a vegan multivitamin supplement that matches their own needs.

Futurekind Essential For Vegans

Futurekind is a vegan multivitamin supplement focused almost exclusively on vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and Omega 3. It is one of the best supplements on the market for anyone deficient in any of these areas, although it isn’t a great choice for anyone who is in need of a greater nutrient balance.

Safe to be used by everyone from pregnant women to children over 11 years old, it is a supplement that is suitable for a wide range of users. It is worth noting, however, that it suggests all pregnant women should consult a doctor before they begin using it to be absolutely sure they will be safe.

It is also one of the pricier vegan multivitamin supplements on the market, so is better reserved for those with a big budget. It only requires two tablets to be taken per day though, which are incredibly small and easy-to-swallow gels, so it won’t be an issue for people who have a problem taking pills.

It is also a particularly popular option for animal lovers, which is a great selling point for vegans. This is because it supports a number of animal sanctuaries, as well as various other charitable causes for animals. This may even make the high price a little easier to swallow.

In a similar nature, its eco-friendly packaging makes it ideal for anyone who is environmentally conscious. Meanwhile, its 60-day money-back guarantee means everyone can have confidence in their purchase, as they know they will get their money back if it isn’t for them.

Pros

• Specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of vegans deficient in its 3 nutrients
• Comes in small, easy-to-swallow soft gels          
• Sold in eco-friendly packaging that is ideal for those concerned about the environment
• Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee with all purchases
• A percentage of all profits are donated to animal sanctuaries and charities        

Cons

• Some consider it to be a pricier vegan multivitamin when compared to other options
• Some of the ingredients don’t have the official ‘organic’ label
• The soft gels can clump together in the bottle at times, making it difficult to separate them

User Reviews:

Ritual Multivitamin 18+ Women & Men

The Ritual Multivitamin 18+ is an adults-only multivitamin that is unique as it comes in two versions, one for men and one for women, to ensure everyone has their own specific biological needs catered to. This includes features such as having the 5-MTHF form of Folate present only in the men’s option.

They pride themselves on making everything included in their products clearly advertised, which is ideal for people who are environmentally, socially, or morally conscious. Made using only non-GMO ingredients, they can be taken with or without food and feature a pleasant, fresh, minty flavour.

The carefully designed capsule is designed to release the nutrients slowly over a number of hours, to try and balance your levels and keep them up. Meanwhile, the clear design includes no artificial colours, gluten, or major allergens, so both types can be used safely by the vast majority of people.

The two capsules required each day is fairly standard, so won’t be an issue for those who have problems taking pills, especially considering their easy-to-swallow design, which aims to prevent nausea.

However, this doesn’t help with the overall cost of using the product, which is already considered to be a little high by many. They are also only available using a subscription model. This means they are really only suitable for people with a good budget and those confident they will use them long term.

Pros

• Great brand transparency ensures you know exactly what you are consuming
• Made using only vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and major allergen-free ingredients
• Delayed-release supplements keep your levels high and balanced for an extended period
• Can be taken with or without food and have a pleasant minty flavour  
• Easy-to-swallow gels have a nausea-free design

Cons

• More expensive than other similar vegan multivitamins
• Requires a subscription to purchase
• Some reviewers mentioned that they didn’t like the taste 

User reviews:

Deva Multivitamin & Mineral

The Deva Multivitamin & Mineral is a one-a-day multivitamin pill, so is ideal for those who worry about remembering to take multiple pills or servings. The small, coated pills further this and make it a perfect option for those who dislike or struggle to swallow big capsules or pills as well.

Made of a herbal blend of ingredients sourced from plant based whole foods, each dose has 100% of your RDA for a range of nutrients that are hard for vegans to get. It is also full of antioxidants, so is a great choice for people who like to combine as many benefits into a single supplement as possible.

The pills are easy to buy both in-store and online and come in packs of 90 tablets, which equates to a 3 month supply. Free from all major allergens and registered VEGAN by the Vegan Society, the Deva Multivitamin & Mineral can safely and confidently be used by all vegans and everyone else as well.

These benefits do come at a price though, and the pills are more expensive than some rivals, so are not ideal for those on a budget. Some of the vitamins and minerals are also present in forms that are not easy to absorb, and the vitamin D is vitamin D2 instead of vitamin D3, making it less effective.

Pros

• Comes in easy-to-swallow, penny-sized, coated tablets or pills
• Sourced entirely from plant based whole food sources
• Made using a unique herbal blend
• Provides 100% of your RDA of important hard-to-source vegan nutrients
• Easy to purchase both in stores and online
• Free from all known major allergens
• Registered VEGAN by the Vegan Society

Cons

• Not the cheapest multivitamin on the market and can be out of budget for some
• Vitamin D is present in the form of D2 instead of D3, making it less effective
• Some vitamins and minerals aren’t present in their most easily absorbed forms

User reviews:

Mary Ruth Vegan Multivitamin

The Mary Ruth Vegan Multivitamin comes in a liquid form, making it ideal for people who struggle to take pills or tablets. Made in a GMP facility, it uses only organic, nightshade-free, non-GMO ingredients, and also contains no known major allergens, so can be used by virtually everyone.

Formulated for the whole family, it is made to promote good metabolism and immune support, no matter your age. It is also ideal for those with celiac disease, as well as pregnant or lactating women, although it is recommended that people in these groups consult a doctor before they begin using it.

Sold in a 946 ml/32 fluid ounce bottle, each purchase should last a decent length of time. This is true as the serving sizes are half a teaspoon for 2 to 3-year-olds, half a tablespoon for 4 to 10-year-olds, one tablespoon for 11 to 17-year-olds, and two tablespoons for anyone aged 18 or over.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t contain iron, which is one of the biggest things vegans are deficient in. That means you will be required to take an additional iron supplement, which isn’t the most cost-effective option and may put off people who don’t like taking supplements.

It also comes in a tall plastic bottle which must be refrigerated, which some people find difficult to store, while some others complain of an unpleasant taste.

Pros

• Free from all major allergens, non-GMO ingredients, and nightshade
• Celiac friendly and suitable for use by pregnant or lactating women
• Excellent choice for both adults and kids of all ages
• Doesn’t require you to swallow a pill
• Completely organic

Cons

• Contains no iron so an additional supplement will be required
• Can’t be taken on flights unless you have checked baggage
• Requires refrigeration at all times
• Tall plastic bottles may hinder storage 
• Some people find that it doesn’t taste good

User Reviews:

Best Vegan Multivitamin Supplement FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Before we conclude our article on the best vegan multivitamin supplements, I want to go over a few of the most frequently asked questions people have about vegan multivitamins. This will hopefully ensure everyone goes away knowing all the info and exactly what the right product for them is.

Are All Vitamin Supplements Vegan?

Not all vitamin tablets are vegan. While many of the vitamins contained in them may be, they often also contain some that are not or will be enclosed in a capsule that isn’t. Both of these issues will make a supplement not suitable for vegans, which is why it is suggested to use a vegan multivitamin.

What Is The Best Vegan Multivitamin Supplement?

There is no single best vegan multivitamin supplement. Depending on things like your personal diet, deficiencies, health conditions, budget, allergies, the preferred method of consumption, and a host of other factors, each person will need to find the vegan supplement that is best for them.

While this wide range of potential needs can make the list of options extensive, the choices we have suggested above will be a good place to start for the vast majority of people.

Should Vegans Take A Multivitamin?

If you follow a well-planned vegan diet, you will get a good amount of many of the nutrients that are found in multivitamin supplements. However, there are some nutrients that often fall through the cracks, due to there being very few good vegan sources, such as zinc or iodine.

Then you also have vegans who plan their diets more around the plant-based foods that they enjoy, rather than the ones that give them the perfect nutritional value. So, while it isn’t necessary 100% of the time, these two reasons mean it is advisable for most vegans to take a multivitamin supplement.

Should Children Take A Multivitamin?

Children are often advised to take a multivitamin tablet as it is vital for them to get all of the correct nutrients during their youth, to ensure they grow as they should. This becomes even more important for vegan children, as they are much more likely to be nutrient deprived than non-vegan kids.

Which Vitamins Should I Take Daily As A Vegan?

It is important for vegans, as well as any other humans in general, to consume a broad range of different vitamins and minerals each day.

However, due to the deficiencies in the vegan diet, we recommend they use supplements containing all of the micronutrients we looked at earlier in this article. They were vitamin D, calcium, iron, omega 3s, vitamin B12, zinc, and iodine.

Do Vegans Need Vitamins In Supplement Form?

As we mentioned above, anyone eating a purely plant-based diet is likely to be deficient in a number of different macro and micronutrients. As a result, the majority of vegans should definitely be taking supplements to bring their levels up to normal, healthy amounts.

Are Vegan Multivitamins Better Than Regular Multivitamin Supplements?

Vegan multivitamins will contain vegan versions of most of the same ingredients found in a regular multivitamin supplement. While the true efficacy of a supplement will vary from product to product, there is no difference in the potency of comparable supplements, whether they are vegan or not.

Is It Safe To Take A Multivitamin Supplement Every Day?

Most multivitamin supplements are made with natural ingredients and designed to be taken every day, especially if they are vegan. While it is important to be careful which supplement you use and make sure not to exceed the stated dose, most multivitamins will be safe to use every day.

Do Multivitamin Supplements Cause Side Effects?

The vast majority of multivitamin supplements will cause virtually no side effects and, if any do present, they will be extremely mild. However, as everyone is different, it is important to be aware of any allergies you have and all of the ingredients in a product, before you begin using it.

What Forms Are Multivitamin Supplements Available In?

The majority of multivitamin supplements will come in the form of a pill or a capsule. However, they are also available in forms like liquids and powders as well, so it is important to shop around to find your preferred method of consumption, to ensure you are completely happy with your purchase.

Are There Any Other Supplements Vegans Should Be Taking?

Much like with vitamins and minerals, the restrictive diets of vegans mean they can frequently be deficient in a number of other nutrients too. This makes investing in a range of vegan-friendly supplements a good idea to keep their bodies fit and healthy.

Protein is the nutrient that vegans are most commonly known to have deficiencies in, due to it most often be found in foods that they can’t consume, such as meat and dairy. There is a number of great vegan protein powders on the market, with Vega Sport being one of the most popular options.

Probiotics and colostrum are two other types of supplements to consider, as they can offer a host of different health benefits but are, again, often found in dairy products that vegans can’t use. You then also have things like vitamin K and selenium which aren’t as vital but can still be beneficial.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In A Supplement As A Vegan?

Just because a supplement isn’t specifically marketed toward vegans doesn’t mean it won’t be suitable for them to use. However, there are a number of ingredients to look out for that may not be immediately obvious which will make a supplement unsuitable to be used as part of a vegan diet.

Supplements containing gelatin are the top offenders. Many supplements will contain this either in their capsule or to maintain consistency of the product and, as it is obtained from animal sources, it makes the product immediately unsuitable for vegans.

It is often best for vegans to steer away from products that haven’t received any third-party testing too. This is because, while they may claim to be vegan and, in many cases will be, this fact hasn’t been independently verified, so can’t be guaranteed to be 100 percent true.

Similarly, vegans may also want to avoid products containing GMOs or artificial flavors, or sugars. While these again may still be vegan, without knowing exactly what products or processes have been used in their creation, it is difficult to be absolutely sure.

Conclusion

A multivitamin supplement is an extremely important element of a successful vegan regimen, as it makes up for many of the nutritional deficiencies vegans develop as a result of their restrictive diet. With so many options on the market though, picking the right one for you can be a real challenge.

This article will hopefully have helped you to determine the best vegan multivitamin supplement for you, based on your own unique wants and needs. It may have even helped you to identify some other supplements or nutrients to buy or pay closer attention to in the future as well.

That means you should now have everything you need to go out and purchase your preferred product or products, to start making use of their benefits and optimising your health. Once you have tried it, you won’t believe you ever managed to live without it.