It’s a myth that vegans need to take handfuls of supplements in order to stay healthy. Of course, everyone needs to ensure they’re getting a good supply of vitamin B12, regardless of diet – and during the winter months, everyone in the UK should consider taking vitamin D. Other than that, a varied vegan diet will supply all you need to lower your risk of disease and help you live a long, healthy life.
All the B vitamins help our bodies produce energy from the food we eat. Vitamin B12 also helps maintain healthy nerve cells and produce DNA – our genetic material. It works closely with folic acid to make red blood cells, which helps iron to work more efficiently in our bodies. It contributes to the production of compounds that help our immune systems function normally and can even affect our mood.