If you’re following a vegetarian diet, your body may thank you for the nutrient-dense food you’re consuming daily — or maybe not. Many vegetarians eat a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes than non-vegetarians, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting everything you need for optimal health. Even the most attentive vegetarians could have some deficiencies in their diets.

 

Although most vegetarian diets are lower in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than non-vegetarian diets, vegetarians can have nutritional gaps in a few important areas. Here are some common nutritional deficiencies in vegetarians, and how to make sure you get the nutrients you need.

 

Avoiding Vitamin B-12 Deficiency on a Vegetarian Diet

 

Vitamin B-12 is essential for healthy red blood cell formation and nerve function. Deficiencies can cause fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, neurological changes and poor memory, among other symptoms. Since the only natural sources of vitamin B-12 are animal products, including meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and milk products, vegetarians can be at a higher risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B-12 than non-vegetarians.

 

You can supplement your vegetarian diet with vitamin B-12 fortified breakfast cereals, some nutritional yeasts and vitamin B-12 supplements.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vegetarian Diet Deficiencies 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids are among several essential fatty acids that we need to survive, yet our body can’t make them on its own. Vegetarians who avoid familiar omega-3 sources like eggs and fatty fish need alternate sources to get their daily fill. Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, canola oil, soybeans and tofu are all vegetarian-friendly sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Along with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids play important roles in maintaining bone health, brain function and reducing the risk of some diseases. Omega supplements can help you maintain a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.

 

Vegetarian Diet and Vitamin D Deficiency

 

Since we get most of our vitamin D from the sun, vitamin D deficiencies are not uncommon for people living in areas without a lot of sunshine during cooler months. Yet, vitamin D deficiencies are even more of a concern for vegetarians because many of the foods that are higher in vitamin D are animal products.

 

On a clear, sunny day, it only takes about 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to get most of the vitamin D we need. But certain times of the year that’s easier said than done. Since vegetarian-friendly, vitamin D-rich foods are limited, plus you would need to eat a lot of them to get the recommended daily value, you might want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement when you’re not spending time in the sun or have skin or health sensitivities to consider.

 

Avoiding Calcium Deficiency on a Vegetarian Diet

 

Calcium plays an important role in your overall health, supporting the functions of your nerves, cells, muscles and bones. If you don’t get enough of it in your diet, your body can take calcium from your bones, making them weaker.

 

If you’re a strict vegetarian, there are plenty of ways to fulfill your daily needs of calcium without consuming dairy products. Greens, such as spinach, kale and broccoli, are packed with bone-healthy calcium. Also, you can get calcium from some soybean products and legumes, and if you’re not sure that you’re getting enough, easily assimilated calcium citrate is available in capsule form.

 

Iron and Vegetarian Diet Deficiencies 

 

There are two types of iron – the kind you get from eating meat (heme iron) and the kind you get from plant-based sources (non-heme iron). Since vegetarians don’t get any heme iron, and this type of iron is absorbed much more efficiently than non-heme iron, recommendations for vegetarians are 1.8 times more than iron recommendations for non-vegetarians.

 

Vegetarian-friendly iron sources include some vegetables, nuts, beans, and fortified grain products like breads and cereals.

 

While vegetarians benefit from eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, you still need to watch your intake of essential vitamins and nutrients, and perhaps consult with your physician or a nutritionist, to keep your diet balanced and to live a healthful and balanced life.