What are vegan supplements?
Vegan supplements are dietary supplements that contain no animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals. They are designed for those following a vegan diet or choosing products without animal ingredients for other reasons.
It is important for vegans to be well informed about supplements, as these can help prevent any deficiencies in a plant-based diet.
Disclaimer : Supplements are intended to supplement and not replace a balanced diet. For personalized recommendations and to ensure you meet all your nutritional needs, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist or physician.
How to recognize a vegan supplement
By paying close attention to both the ingredients and the production conditions of supplements, you can make a healthy and ethical choice that fits your vegan lifestyle. But how can you be sure a supplement is vegan?
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Quality marks don't always tell the whole story.
As a vegan, you can look at certifications, for example, but it's important to understand what each certification means and what you can expect. (1) The certification criteria for each certification differ. Moreover, there are very good vegan supplements that are 100% vegan, but don't have expensive certifications.
2. Cruelty-Free Label does not mean vegan!
A "Cruality-Free" certification mark, such as the Leaping Bunny logo or "Proefdiervrij" (Animal Testing Free), confirms that the manufacturer has not conducted animal testing. However, this does not automatically mean that the product is also free of animal ingredients. Therefore, it is important to check both aspects.
3. Check Ingredients
Whether a product has a vegan certification or not, it's always a good idea to check the ingredients list. This is especially true because some products may contain unexpected animal ingredients or may not meet your personal vegan standards.
In short, by using quality marks as a guide and checking additional information, you as a vegan can make more informed choices and ensure that your products truly meet your vegan and ethical standards.
What ingredients should you look out for?
Not everyone has the same views on a vegan diet, and everyone decides for themselves what feels comfortable for them.
Therefore, always read the labels of food and supplements carefully!
For your convenience, I've compiled a list of common ingredients derived directly or indirectly from animals. I've also included plant-based alternatives so you can easily see if an ingredient suits your preferences.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein found primarily in milk and colostrum (the first milk produced after birth). It is often extracted from cow's milk and used in nutritional supplements and baby formula.
Alternatives: Plant-based or synthetic alternatives are limited, so it may be difficult for vegans to avoid lactoferrin.
Certain additives: E904 and E120
Shellac (E 904) is a glazing agent made from the secretions of the lac bug. It is often used in sweets, pharmaceutical products, and as a glazing agent for fruit.
E120 (cochineal or carmine) is a red dye extracted from ground scale insects. It is used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Alternatives: Vegetable dyes such as beetroot red (E162) or synthetic dyes can serve as alternatives.
Bee products
Bee products such as honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly are all produced by bees.
Alternatives: Syrups such as agave or maple syrup can be used for honey, while candelilla wax or carnauba wax are often used as alternatives to beeswax.
Vitamin D from sheep's wool
Vitamin D3 is often extracted from lanolin, an oily substance found in sheep's wool.
Alternatives : Vegan vitamin D3 can be produced from lichen or cultivated mushrooms.
Gelatin
Gelatin is obtained by boiling animal collagen, derived from the skin, bones and connective tissue of cattle, pigs or fish.
Alternatives: Agar-agar, pectin, and carrageenan are plant-based gelling agents that can be used as substitutes.
Collagen
Collagen is mainly obtained from the skin, bones and connective tissue of animals, such as cattle, pigs or fish.
Alternatives: Plant-based products do not contain collagen, but ingredients such as silicon, vitamin C, and amino acids can support collagen production in the body.
Glucosamine
Often derived from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs and lobsters.
Alternatives: A plant-based variant can be obtained from fermented corn.
Hyaluronic acid
Traditionally derived from animal sources such as rooster combs.
Alternatives: Today, hyaluronic acid is increasingly produced via microbial fermentation, which uses bacteria to make hyaluronic acid without animal ingredients.
Vegan supplements from Natural Performance
At Natuurlijk Presteren, you can check the label to see if a product is vegan. More detailed information about the origin of ingredients can be found in the description on our website.
On this collection page, we've compiled all our vegan supplements for your convenience. Click on the product you're interested in and read more about the ingredients and effects under "Description."
Vegan DHA – not just for vegans
A customer favorite, for example, is Vegan DHA , with 400 mg of omega-3 per serving from pure, sustainably grown algae oil.
Vegan DHA is often considered only suitable for vegans, but it's an excellent choice for anyone who is environmentally conscious and wants to take good care of their body. It offers many advantages over regular fish oil.
Here are the top 5 reasons why this plant-based DHA is a good choice not only for vegans:
- No toxic substances
- No burping
- Helps against overfishing
- Sustainable production
- No difference in effectiveness
