If you're vegan, it’s sometimes tricky to source supplements to support your health that are entirely free from any animal-derived products. Thankfully, at PatchWorks we're proud to provide a full range of vegan supplements that are also natural and cruelty free – with no testing on animals. Helping you to access the supplements you swear by, without worrying that the ingredients have come from animals, or been tested on them.
A vegan lifestyle doesn't have to mean you're missing out on the nutrients you need to feel your best. If you do your research, it's relatively simple to ensure you're eating a balanced entirely plant-based diet that covers all bases. That said, there are some nutrients that you might benefit from topping up.
Here are 4 vegan supplements that could help you feel even better!
B12
B12 is mainly found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. So, it's unsurprising that many vegans aren't getting as much of it as they should. Many cereals, plant milk, and soy products are fortified with B12. But if you're trying to cut down on processed foods, a daily supplement, like our B12 Plus patch, is a great way to top up your levels.
Too little B12 can cause pernicious anaemia and nerve damage. As well as triggering symptoms like fatigue, tingling, brain fog, and poor memory (read our B12 blog for about B12 deficiency symptoms here). So it's important to try and avoid a deficiency by boosting your B12 intake. One of the most important vegan supplements, B12 can also help improve your energy levels, brighten your mood and memory, and so much more!
Iron
You need iron for your body to produce healthy red blood cells. Not getting enough can lead to anaemia, where you'll feel tired and weak, and might look pale. Vegan diets can be high in iron: dark leafy green veg like broccoli and spring greens, pulses, and nuts all contain plenty. But iron from plant-based foods is more difficult for your body to absorb.
Step forward the Iron Plus patch, a super duper easy way to improve your iron status. One of our bestselling vegan supplements, this iron booster doesn't contain any animal products and is completely natural and cruelty free. Plus, our formulation won't upset your tummy (a common oral iron side effect) as the active ingredient is delivered via the skin. Try for yourself to feel stronger and less tired.
Magnesium
While many plant-based foods are naturally high in magnesium, soil depletion has led to lower magnesium levels in crops. But don't worry, our Tri Mag patch contains the 3 most-bioavailable types of magnesium and is the perfect way to increase how much magnesium you're getting.
Another one of our 'must-have' vegan supplements, using the Tri-Mag patch can help enhance energy levels, improve your sleep quaility, and reduce anxiety. It's also a must for bone health because it helps regulate calcium absorption and is essential for maintaining bone density.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a super powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in detox, immune function, and cellular repair. It supports your liver function and overall health by fighting inflammation in the body. If you're vegan you might have lower levels of natural glutathione because your body needs sulphur to make glutathione. And sulphur is mainly found in animal-based foods like eggs and fish.
Dietary intake of glutathione is rarely enough, even if you're not vegan! But using a supplement, like the Glutathione Plus patch, is an excellent way to top up. By increasing your levels, you could enjoy benefits including a boosted immune system (less colds and bugs hurrah!). Plus, less fatigue and more energy, better brain health and cognitive function, and even a brighter, less wrinkly complexion. It's no wonder this is another of our bestselling vegan supplements!
Why are vitamin patches superior to traditional oral vegan supplements?
Keen to try these must-have nutrients for yourself? Vitamin patches are the easiest and most effective way to do this. Unlike oral vegan supplements, the good stuff is delivered directly into your bloodstream. Enabling the full dose to be transported throughout your body where it can be put to use. Avoiding the digestive system prevents you from losing nutrients as they move through your stomach and gut and get filtered out. To find out more about the 'First Pass Effect' read our blog Understanding the First Pass Effect.
As the nutrients are delivered directly into your bloodstream, you're likely to feel the effects much faster. People who use our B12 patches, for example, have reported an almost instant uptick in energy levels and vitality – something you don't usually find with oral tablets. Even better, our patches are all extended-release, so you'll feel the effects the entire time you wear the patch – rather than the short burst many oral supplements supply. Learn more about why extended-release nutrients are better for your body in our blog here.
