The 9 Best Vegan Multivitamins & Supplements of 2024


Following a vegetarian and vegan diet may lower the risk of developing several health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. However, if you are following a vegan diet, you may need to supplement nutrients that either are not present in plant foods or are present in lower quantities, including vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, zinc, iodine, and iron. While some people may benefit from individual supplements, you may find that a vegan multivitamin helps meet your needs more conveniently.

According to plant-based registered dietitian Anja Grommons, MA, RDN, it is important to consider what nutrients you lack in your particular diet, as this may be different for everyone. When looking for supplements, it is also important to check ingredient labels to ensure the product is vegan and that it doesn’t contain non-vegan additives or animal-derived nutrients. When selecting the best vegan supplements, we took these recommendations into consideration and opted for choices that are independently verified when possible. Keep in mind that we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to determine whether you are deficient in any nutrients before supplementing on your own.

What Registered Dietitians Want You To Know

  • Types of supplements: While following a vegan diet, beneficial supplements can include a multivitamin or a single-nutrient supplement to help you get enough nutrients or address deficiencies. For example, protein powder can help you get enough protein, while a calcium supplement can fill a nutrient gap due to limiting dairy.
  • How much to take: The recommended dose for a given supplement will depend on your diet patterns and specific needs. While there is no recommended dose for multivitamins, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for certain nutrients is higher for vegans and vegetarians than for the general population. This is because plant-based forms of these nutrients are not absorbed as well. For example, the RDA for iron for vegetarians is 1.8 times higher than that of the general population. Therefore, a vegan supplement may include higher amounts of a particular nutrient to account for this lowered absorption.
  • Seek a professional if: It’s good practice to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you have a deficiency before starting a supplement. While some nutrients, like vitamin B12, are generally safe to take even without a deficiency, others, such as iron, can be harmful in excess. Additionally, mention any medications you are taking, as some supplements can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of certain medications.

Editor’s Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi

Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, vitamin K2 | Serving size: One tablet | Servings per container: 60

Who’s It For

Best option if you want a women’s multivitamin to fill in nutrient gaps in the diet but don’t need to correct a deficiency. 

Why We Recommend It

Garden of Life Women’s Once Daily contains many of the nutrients that vegan diets lack, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and vitamin K2. Additionally, it includes other nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B vitamins. We like that with one supplement, you get many of the nutrients you need in the recommended amounts. It’s free from synthetic fillers and additives, and the one-tablet serving makes it convenient to take daily.

Garden of Life is independently verified to confirm that it contains what it says and is free from harmful contaminants or other ingredients.

Keep In Mind

This multivitamin contains 2.5 milligrams of iron, which is only 14% of the Daily Value. This dose may not be high enough to correct a deficiency. It is also important to note that this supplement does not contain any omega-3s or calcium.

Note Garden of Life also has a vegan prenatal for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+

Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin K2, folate, vitamin E, boron, omega-3 DHA | Serving size: Two capsules | Servings per container: 30

Who’s It For

Best option for men who want a multivitamin that also includes omega-3s and has the ease of automatic subscription every month. 

Why We Recommend It

We like that Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamins contains 10 vitamins without any extras that you likely don’t need. They do leave out iron, vitamin C, and calcium but include vitamin B12, vitamin D from lichen (a plant source), Omega-3 DHA from microalgae, and zinc. Note that men typically do not need to supplement with iron, as women tend to have a higher risk for iron deficiency. Plus, vegan diets often provide enough vitamin C, and those who need to supplement with calcium could do so with a separate supplement.

These vegan pills also contain mint essence so that they won’t leave a bad taste in your mouth. The recommended dose is two capsules per day, taken with or without food. Ritual is a brand dedicated to quality and rigorous independent verification, so you can feel confident that these multivitamins contain what they say they contain without potentially harmful contaminants.

Keep In Mind

We like that Ritual offers a subscription option to get these multivitamins at a lower price point. The subscription will be automatically sent to you every month. However, they are also available for a one-time purchase if you don’t want a subscription, although this means they would be a bit pricier.

Garden of Life mykind Organic Whole Food B-12 for Metabolism and Energy, Raspberry

Garden of Life mykind Organic Whole Food B-12 for Metabolism and Energy, Raspberry

PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • Independent verification

  • Convenient spray form

  • Affordable

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin | Serving size: One spray | Servings per container: 140

Who’s It For

Best for anyone following a vegan diet, as B12 is only found in animal products. This spray option is also a good idea if you want to avoid more pills. 

Why We Recommend It

Mykind Organic Whole Food B12 is our top pick for a B12 supplement because it is made from whole food sources, comes in a convenient spray, and is independently verified. Vitamin B12 is one of the most important nutrients to supplement when following a vegan diet. This is because vitamin B12, which is necessary for healthy red blood cells and nerve functioning, is found mainly in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.

While some foods, such as breakfast cereals, are fortified with B12, using a supplement may be easier to help meet long-term needs. B12 stores can take years to deplete, and it is helpful to start supplementing right after starting a vegan diet, before you have a B12 deficiency.

Garden of Life makes organic supplements from whole food sources. We like that this supplement comes in a convenient spray form, making it easy to add to your routine, especially if you take several supplements and want to avoid more pills. 

Keep In Mind

One raspberry-flavored spray contains 500 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12, providing 20,833% of the Daily Value. While this may sound like a lot, note that only a small percentage of the B12 from supplements is absorbed, and this amount diminishes as the dose increases. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, only two percent of a 500 mcg dose is absorbed, which is about 10 mcg. Supplementing with this dose four times per week, or with two sprays twice per week, should be enough to meet the needs of many vegetarians and vegans.

This supplement does have an extensive ingredient list, with an organic food blend and sweetening from ingredients such as apple juice, mandarin peel, and stevia, which may or may not suit your preferences.

Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate)

Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate)

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Calcium | Serving size: Two capsules | Servings per container: 90

Who’s It For

This is the best option if you’re not eating enough dark, leafy greens or calcium-fortified plant foods. 

Why We Recommend It

We love Pure Encapsulations Calcium Citrate supplement because it contains a moderate dose of calcium to fill the nutrient gaps of a vegan diet. Calcium is a potential nutrient of concern for vegans, as dairy products are one of the richest sources of calcium. Calcium plays an important role in the health of our bones and teeth, plus it is needed to move our muscles and regulate our heart rhythm

While foods such as kale, broccoli, and fortified foods contain calcium, this form may be less readily absorbed by your body, and you may have a difficult time getting enough calcium by eating these foods alone.

Pure Encapsulations makes supplements ideal for those with food allergies or sensitivities. This calcium supplement is vegan and free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fillers, preservatives, and sweeteners. It is also independently verified, ensuring the ingredient label is accurate and free of harmful contaminants. 

The serving size is two capsules and provides 300 milligrams of calcium citrate—23% of the Daily Value. 

Keep In Mind

If you do not eat many calcium-rich foods, this option may be too low in calcium. You may want to consider a higher dose or increasing the serving size. Speak to a healthcare professional to determine your specific dietary needs. 

Calcium citrate is best taken on an empty stomach, and it can interfere with certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, or iron supplements.

DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA

DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Omega-3s EPA and DHA | Serving size: One softgel | Servings per container: 60

Who’s It For

Best for those who do not eat a lot of vegan sources of omega-3s like seaweed or algae. 

Why We Recommend It

It can be difficult to find an omega-3 supplement that is not made from fish oil. However, Deva Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA supplement is made from algal oil, a vegan option that contains similar omega-3 fats to fish. 

DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA contains 500 milligrams of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA per softgel. It’s important to get enough omega-3’s, as they are important for various functions, including eye, heart, lung, and immune system health.

Omega-3s can be found in foods such as fish, flaxseed, soybean oil, and fortified foods. However, the types of omega-3 fats we get from plant foods are slightly different from the types that come from fish, which are absorbed better. If you do not eat fish, it can be hard to get enough omega-3s. Some people following vegan diets may get adequate omega-3s from certain types of seaweed or beans preserved with kombu. However, this would require a high intake of these foods, and most Americans don’t eat enough to provide adequate omega-3s. 

This omega-3 supplement has been voluntarily tested and approved by ConsumerLab.com in a 2022 review, so you can rest assured that it is free from contaminants and contains what the label says. These pills contain orange oil and rosemary extract, providing a light flavor. 

Keep In Mind

While the dose is one softgel per day, you should be aware that the pill itself is somewhat large and may be difficult to swallow. Omega-3s can interfere with some medications like blood thinners.

KOS Vegan Superfood Protein Powder

KOS Vegan Superfood Protein Powder

PHOTO: Amazon
Cons

  • Not independently tested

  • Higher sodium content

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Protein | Serving size: Two scoops | Servings per container: 20

Who’s It For

Best option if you are struggling to eat enough protein-rich plant-based foods or have higher protein needs such as athletes or those who are looking to increase muscle mass

Why We Recommend It

The KOS Organic Superfood protein is a complete protein source suitable for athletes and anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Protein powder can be used to meet protein needs on a vegan or vegetarian diet, conveniently boosting protein in smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. 

Protein can be found in many plant-based foods, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, beans, legumes, and grains. However, protein found in plant-based foods is not as readily absorbed as protein in animal products, meaning you may need to consume more to meet protein needs.

KOS’ protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per serving from pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seeds. It also includes an organic superfood blend of carrots, cranberries, oranges, apples, tomatoes, broccoli, and shitake mushroom extract. These ingredients and the vitamin and mineral blend provide a good source of nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron.

This is our favorite vegan protein powder because it blends smoothly and doesn’t have the grassy taste that comes with most vegan options.

Keep In Mind

If you’re sensitive to inulin or following a low FODMAP diet, KOS contains inulin and may cause some bloating. It also contains a digestive enzyme blend that isn’t necessary for everyone.

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Iron | Serving size: One capsule | Servings per container: 30

Who’s It For

Best for those with higher iron needs, such as athletes or people who are menstruating or pregnant. It’s also a good option if you do not eat many iron-rich plant foods, such as nuts, beans, and lentils. 

Why We Recommend It

Thorne Research Iron Bisglycinate is our top iron pick because it contains iron in the bisglycinate form, which is easily absorbed and gentle on the stomach. Iron can be found in many plant foods, including tofu, nuts, beans, and lentils. However, we do not absorb the type of iron found in plant foods as well as the form found in animal foods, so you need to eat more of these foods to get enough iron. Therefore, an iron supplement may be necessary. 

An iron supplement is also beneficial for those at higher risk of iron deficiency, including athletes and those who are menstruating or pregnant. Test your iron levels with a healthcare provider before starting a supplement, as too much iron can be harmful, and it’s important to know how much to supplement with.

The recommended dose for this iron supplement is one capsule per day, which provides 25 milligrams (mg) of iron, or 139% of the Daily Value (DV). While this is more than you may need, it is well under the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 45 mg for iron.

These supplements are also NSF Certified for Sport, so you can be sure they contain what they say they contain and are free from potentially harmful and banned substances for athletic competitions.

Keep In Mind

Vegan iron supplements should be taken with foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, to enhance absorption. You should avoid taking iron supplements with tea, calcium supplements, or foods with calcium.

Amazon HUM Here Comes the Sun Vitamin D3 Immune System Support Supplement

Amazon HUM Here Comes the Sun Vitamin D3 Immune System Support Supplement

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Vitamin D3 | Serving size: One softgel | Servings per container: 30

Who’s It For

Best for those who live in an area without much sunshine (or with colder seasons).

Why We Recommend It

A Vitamin D supplement such as HUM Nutrition Here Comes the Sun can help you meet your Vitamin D needs through a vegan source. Most vitamin D3 supplements are derived from lanolin, a byproduct of sheep wool. However, these softgels contain vitamin D from lichen, a plant that naturally produces vitamin D.

We make most of our vitamin D through sun exposure, as vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods, including fatty fish like salmon, fish liver oil, and mushrooms exposed to UV light. Therefore, vitamin D deficiencies are common among most people, including vegans.

This supplement does not contain sweeteners or artificial preservatives and comes in an easy-to-swallow softgel.

Keep In Mind

One serving provides you with 50 mcg, or 2,000 IU, of vitamin D. This dose of vitamin D is above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 600 IUs per day, as higher doses are often recommended for supplementation. It is also well below doses high enough to be associated with health risks from over-supplementation. The current upper limit is set to 4,000 IUs per day, though toxicity is unlikely unless you consume much higher doses than this. A blood test can determine if you are vitamin D deficient, and a healthcare professional can guide the best dose for your needs.

Now Foods: L-OptiZinc Immune Support

Now Foods: L-OptiZinc Immune Support

PHOTO: Amazon

Key specs:

Key nutrients: Zinc | Serving size: One capsule | Servings per container: 100

Who’s It For

Best for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet and also good for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

Why We Recommend It

Now Foods L-Opti Zinc is independently verified and contains 30 milligrams (273% DV) of zinc per capsule, meant to be taken once daily. In addition to zinc, we like that these capsules contain 0.3 milligrams (33% DV) of copper because zinc can reduce the amount of copper your body absorbs.

Zinc is an essential mineral important for immune, brain, and eye function. The foods highest in zinc include meat, fish, and seafood, but zinc can be found in plant foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds, tempeh, and oats. You may be able to meet your zinc needs through food alone. However, zinc in legumes and grains is not as easy to absorb, so a supplement may help you meet your needs. 

Another reason to consider zinc supplementation is if a healthcare provider determines you are deficient or at risk of deficiency. It also may be helpful to have on hand for short-term supplementation when you’re sick, as zinc can help shorten symptoms of the common cold, though lozenge or syrup forms may be more effective for this purpose than a pill. 

Keep In Mind

Keep in mind that zinc can be toxic if you take too much for long periods of time, and too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency.

Benefits of Vegan Multivitamins & Supplements

There are certain situations in which vegan supplements or multivitamins will be especially important, including:

  • Those deficient in particular nutrients: If a healthcare provider determines via a blood test that you are deficient in a particular nutrient, then a supplement will be an effective way to increase your levels.
  • Athletes or active individuals: Athletes have higher requirements for certain nutrients, such as iron, than the general population. Vegans, in general, are at increased deficiency risk for certain nutrients. Because of this, vegan athletes may need to be extra careful to ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs and may benefit from supplements.
  • Those who are pregnant or lactating: Following a vegan diet during pregnancy can be perfectly safe. However, if you are vegan and pregnant, you may be at increased risk of not getting enough of certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, iodine, choline, and omega-3 fats, which are particularly important. All pregnant or lactating people, as well as those who may become pregnant, should, at minimum, take a multivitamin designed for this life stage. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider about individual supplementation needs.

How We Select Vegan Multivitamins & Supplements

To find the best vegan multivitamins and supplements, we spoke to experts, dove deep into the research, and vetted supplement companies to ensure we recommend trustworthy products. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

Why Independent Verification Is Important

Supplements that are independently verified are sent to a lab where they are tested for purity and potency to ensure they contain what they say they contain and do not contain any potential contaminants, including harmful heavy metals like lead, which can pose serious health risks.

Trusted independent vertifications include ConsumerLab.com, NSF, USP, and Informed Choice among others. However, these certifications can be difficult to obtain and expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested. If you are selecting a supplement that does not have independent verification, we recommend choosing a trusted brand that does rigorous internal testing.

Ingredients To Pay Attention To

When choosing a vegan supplement or multivitamin, it is important to review ingredient labels to ensure the product is vegan. Grommons suggests you pick gelatin-free supplements since capsules, tablets, and gummies may contain this animal-based ingredient. 

She recommends “choosing a vitamin that is clearly labeled ‘vegan.’ Nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are often derived from lanolin (a sheep byproduct) and fish oil, respectively.”

If you take other medications, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using supplements or multivitamins, as there may be interactions. For example, you should speak with a healthcare provider before taking a vitamin K or omega-3 supplement if you are taking blood-thinning medication, as these nutrients can interfere with the medicine’s effectiveness.

Certain nutrients may also impact the absorption of other nutrients. For example, you should avoid taking calcium and iron supplements together, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption. High doses of zinc over time can also lead to a copper deficiency.

Our Experts

  • Anja Grommons, MA, RDN, plant-based registered dietitian. 
  • Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian who works with patients to meet their health goals and educates patients by converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She also specializes in supplement research and analysis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there vegan supplements that help with hair growth or joint health?

    Many nutrients that may be lacking in a vegan diet are involved with hair growth and joint health. For example, deficiencies in vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin D, riboflavin, and iron may be associated with hair loss, while calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins C, D, E, and zinc are important for joint health. If you are deficient in any of these nutrients, then a supplement may help your hair and joints. However, if you already get enough of these nutrients through your diet, there may not be any extra benefit from a supplement. 

  • Are there vegan supplements that help with muscle growth?

    If muscle growth is your goal, it is important to get enough protein and calories and do resistance (or strength training) exercises. While we recommend first turning to whole foods sources of protein like tofu, beans, lentils, chia seeds, and quinoa, a high-quality protein powder may help you meet your needs.
    You could also consider creatine—a compound produced naturally in our bodies that supplies muscles with energy. Vegans typically have lower levels of creatine in their muscles and may benefit from using a creatine supplement.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Tamar Kane, MS, RD, is a plant-based Registered Dietitian and marathon runner, so she is well-versed in the research behind vegan supplements. She is a writer for Verywell Health, as well as the founder of Tamar Kane Nutrition, a virtual practice that focuses on helping runners learn to fuel their running and their lives.

Tamar has her master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University and specializes in working with plant-based athletes. Her goal is to help people understand how to properly fuel their bodies (and supplement if needed!) to optimize performance and well-being.


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