With Veganuary in full swing and two million people officially signing up since its launch in 2014, it’s more important than ever for people to consider the supplements that might support a change in diet to help bridge any gaps in nutrition and keep vitamins and minerals at optimum levels throughout the winter season too. 

Cytoplan’s innovative Vegan Care Bundle was created by experienced nutritional therapists and selected to support a vegan diet specifically. Containing Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Wholefood Iron and Omega–3 Vegan, this group of vital vitamins and minerals pack a powerful punch to support a diet free from meat, dairy and eggs this Veganuary.

Amanda Williams, the nutritional therapist and CEO of Cytoplan, said: ‘Many of us are eating less meat, dairy and other animal products for a host of reasons, and particularly in Veganuary, it is important for those making sudden dietary changes to ensure they are getting optimal levels of vital vitamins and minerals that they otherwise may have derived from foods they are now not eating.’

‘Eating a rainbow of vegetables, nuts and seeds to ensure there is variety in your diet will be important, and extra support through supplementation could help bridge any potential nutrition gap and support your new eating habits while you develop the most healthful diet; going forwards.’

Vegan Care Bundle – Four powerful supportive supplements to support a vegan diet

• Vitamin B12 – A high potency active B12 supplement
• Vitamin D3 – A wholefood vegan vitamin D supplement providing vitamin D3 from lichen, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans
• Omega 3 vegan – Harvested from marine algae to provide essential fatty acids
• Wholefood Iron – A gentle and vegan Iron from a whole food source

Packed with a high potency active form of Vitamin B12 (normally primarily available from foods derived from animals), this vitamin is important for nerve health. Low levels can cause many symptoms, including extreme tiredness, pins and needles, low levels of mood and problems with memory.

Research has shown that a vegan diet can cause a deficiency in B12, and levels can be maintained by eating fortified or fermented foods along with an excellent active B12 supplement.

Also containing a bioavailable form of Vegan Vitamin D3; the Vegan Care Bundle includes this vital vitamin because of its many roles in the body, including and significantly contributing to the normal function of the immune system, the absorption and utilisation of calcium, and the maintenance of bones and teeth.

A vegan diet containing mushrooms and fortified foods can provide some low levels of vitamin D; however, these foods contain vitamin D2 rather than the superior vitamin D3 form, which is utilised in the body. Vitamin D3 is integral support for our immune systems. A deficiency in Vitamin D can increase vulnerability to infections, and low levels are associated with many chronic diseases.

Also included in Cytoplan’s Vegan Care Bundle and derived from marine algae is Omega–3 Vegan, which offers a rich source of essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that would otherwise be derived from eating oily fish. Within a vegan diet, Flaxseeds are a good source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which the body can convert to the active Omega–3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). However, research has shown this to be inefficient due to multiple factors, which is where a supplement containing those essential fatty acids is important.

Cytoplan’s Vegan Care Bundle also includes a whole source of Iron, which has many roles, including reducing tiredness and fatigue, cognitive function, formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, and immune system function. The most bioavailable form of iron is derived from eating red meat; however, on a non-meat diet, pulses and tofu can provide iron too; it’s just not as well absorbed by the body.

Cytoplan’s Wholefood Iron supplement has been created by growing brassica juncea, an edible cruciferous vegetable similar to broccoli, in an iron-rich growth medium, which results in a gentle and vegan wholefood Iron to support both a vegan and vegetarian diet.

As the leader in food-based and ethical supplementation for over 30 years, Cytoplan has maintained the belief that nature holds the key to health, creating products that work in harmony with the body to optimise health, and the company is dedicated to improving the health of the nation, both ethically and sustainably.

Cytoplan invests widely in health and nutritional projects across the UK, an independent British company wholly owned by The AIM Foundation. It addresses global warming, community well-being, and mental health. Every product purchased goes towards helping others. To find out more about The AIM Foundation, please visit here.