Responsible Supplements for the Ethical Eater

As vegans, vegetarians, and eco/animal conscious readers, I know you are all aware of the importance of making ethical and kind decisions when it comes to the things you eat, wear, purchase, and use on a daily basis. You read Chic Vegan in an effort to make responsible clothing purchases, and you’ve adopted a plant-based diet to do your part in saving animals. This is a beautiful, courageous, and noble way to live life, and I feel such a strong connection to individuals who choose to be cruelty-free.

With this, though, there are still important aspects of diet to keep in mind. Most vegans cannot get adequate vitamin B12 through diet alone. Depending on the amount of greens and the like that you eat, you may not receive as much iron as you’d like, and perhaps you live in a cold, darker climate throughout the winter and your body is not supplied the necessary amount of vitamin D3 for optimal immune health.

The easy answer for this is supplementation. But when you’re living a cruelty-free life, it can be harder to navigate the supplement aisle at your local health-food store. For example, natural sources of B12 come from animals and (for vegetarians) fermented foods such as Red Star Nutritional Yeast and kimchi. The most easy to access, however, for supplement manufacturers is that which comes from an animal source. There is no sense in supplementing with B12 for an animal source when you are supporting a cruelty-free diet!

The story is the same with vitamin D3 (be sure to take D3 rather than D2 – for the full story and more on D3, see an article here). D3 can be found in dairy (usually fortified), shellfish, and various other animal sources. While this nutrient is vital for health, it is important it comes from a reputable source that is vowed vegetarian, and preferably of course, vegan!  Unfortunately there are no vegan versions of D3 on the market, so it is important that vegans get out in the sun on a regular basis. Just 5 minutes a day can give you all the D3 you need and more.

Then, of course, every one should be taking a multi-vitamin. Some doctors will tell you it is unnecessary, but it is an important addition to an already healthy diet, where it adds to your natural nutritional intake rather than supplying is single-handedly. It it is high-quality, it can only help, not hurt!

So today, I am going to provide you with a list of the most eco and animal friendly supplement companies so that next time you reach for a multi-vitamin or other supplement, you know you are getting high quality AND cruelty-free!

Megafood: This is the best quality supplement you can purchase. Made in NH from 100% organic produce, these WHOLE FOOD supplements are all 100% vegetarian, with many being completely vegan (the label is easy to read and lets you know that it is animal-friendly)! The vitamins come from natural foods in their natural state, so they are completely recognized and absorbed by the body. Plus, their formulations are created to combine the perfect balance of nutrients so that each is optimally absorbed!

New Chapter: Another whole-food supplement, many of New Chapter’s vitamin products are vegetarian/vegan, with an exception to their herbal products, many of which are housed in a gelatin capsule – again, however, this is very clearly labeled and easy to find out! While the company is not 100% veg, their products are highly effective and of great quality.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest: A very responsible herbal supplement company. I have yet to see a single product of theirs housed in a gelatin capsule – they are all vegetarian! Also, the herbs are grown organically and sustainably, making them great for you, and the environment!

Doctor’s Best: Not as high quality as Megafood or New Chapter, Doctor’s Best offers isolated vitamin formulas clearly labeled as vegetarian. (Note: very few supplement companies use the term “vegan” and so a vegan-friendly supplement is still typically referred to as “vegetarian”. A quick look at the label will let you know if you are all set!)

Gaia: Same story as Wild Harvest, these products are often liquid herbal extracts in veg. capsule form, making them more potent and more quickly absorbed!

Rainbow Light: Not 100% whole-food (so not as high-quality) Rainbow Light as a vegetarian multi-vitamin line, specifically designed to target the different nutritional needs of vegetarians.

And now you know! When you’re on the hunt for the most ethical, animal-friendly, and high-quality supplements, look no farther! Healthy, happy living!

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My name is Abigail. I am a student, a writer, an animal lover, a foodie, and a dedicated pursuer of all things natural and eco! I began blogging in 2009 on Bold As Nature and since then I have shared my passion for natural health, wellness, and animal rights with as many people as I can reach. As a member of this world, I think we have a responsibility to all creatures and the environment to preserve  and protect it. A vegan diet is an important aspect of this, but there is always more we can do! From the foods that you eat, to the supplements you take, and the clothes that you buy, we can all make a difference. As a contributor to Chic Vegan, I hope to empower you to reclaim and improve your health naturally with supplements and nutrient rich recipes and foods that are not only good for you, but good to the planet and everything on it. Together, we can all live life as Bold As Nature!