Do vegetarians really need to take supplements?

Question

I've been a vegetarian, for a year now (exactly yesterday,) and I feel and look healthy. I've been told that no matter how much I may think I'm healthy, I may not be as a vegetarian. I feel as if I'm getting enough protein, but I am still not sure if I should be taking supplements or not. What do you think?

I know ultimately, no one can really answer this for me, considering you don't know the real health status that I have, and I should be seeing a nutritionist, but I thought I'd see how ya'll felt about the situation. Perhaps other vegetarians have also experienced this uncertainty?

Answer 1

No, a diet that is varied in fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, etc. will give you all the nutrients you need. There is no need to take any supplements. There is nothing in meat that cannot be found in another source.

Variety is the key, like any diet if you are not eating many different foods you are going to lack certain nutrients. You simply need to follow the food pyramid, if you notice meat does not have its own category, but shares it with beans, legumes, etc. Replace you meat servings with beans and you'll be fine.

B12 can be found in milk, soy milk, fortified cereals, etc so you can eat those to get b12.

Iron is found in a variety of sources. Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals, whole-grain products, dark, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good sources of iron. To help your body absorb non-animal sources of iron, eat foods rich in vitamin C — such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli — at the same time you consume iron-containing foods.

Protein is found in just about everything, the average person needs only 50 grams of protein a day, and the average person takes in about 4 times that amount. It is extremely hard to have a protein deficiency, this is rarely seen anywhere except in third world countries.

There is nothing wrong with taking a multi-vitamin. I take one multivitamin daily and have been since before becoming vegetarian. Many doctors recommend that everyone take a vitamin regardless of diet.

Answer 2

I have a feeling you won't find vegetarian supplements at Walmat. Try your local health food store or Whole Foods.

Answer 3

The only nutrient that is only naturally available in animal foods is B12. There are many fortified foods with B12, most notably breakfast cereals. A varied diet of beans,legumes,nuts seeds, whole grains veggies and fruit will provide all the other nutrients you need.
I am not a vegetarian myself (I eat fish and dairy) but have run across this many times, omnivores having the viewpoint thta red meat is somehow "necessary" to a healthy diet. Bah!

Answer 4

I suppose it depends on the person.

But I've been a vegetarian for since I was 6 (that would make me one for 10 years now), and I have never taken any supplements. I eat foods that provide me with enough protein such as beans, soy meat, hummus, tofu. If you eat foods like that, then your protein level should be perfectly fine.

I've never had a problem with my health.

Answer 5

Meat-eaters use the supplement arguement to try and validate their views but in reality you don't need supplements. A good multi-vitamin won't hurt but there really isn't a need for it as long as you are getting a balanced diet. I take multi-vitamins when I am sick and stressed simply because it helps regardless of what you eat but I don't take it as a daily supplement.

Answer 6

Fruits. Bananas are my favorite. btw did you know that tomatoes are the #1 selling fruits? true beans

Answer 7

fruit grows on shrub or vines and fruit and vegetables grow in the land.

Answer 8

Well i think it is important to take a daily vitamin if you are vegetarian or not! Maybe just contact a doctor or physician because they can give you the best answer, but if you are feeling good id say follow what your body says!
=]

Answer 9

You can eat a balanced diet that does not include meat. Not the worst idea for anyone to take a multivitamin though.

Answer 10

if you still eat and drink dairy then you probably are fine. If you are a strict vegetarian you should take some supplements just to keep your body balanced of different types of nutrition

Answer 11

A similar question was asked recently.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApHpPqlW_9KiUU06xaIa7Xd26xR.?qid=20070702184549AAdWWIq