Is it Safe to Follow a Vegan Diet When You are Anemic?

There are many reasons why people choose to give up animal products. Some people become vegans and vegetarians for religious reasons, others do it for cultural or philosophical beliefs. It doesn’t matter why you’ve chosen to refrain from eating animal products; whatever the reason, it is important to make sure you maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. It is very easy for people who have given up meat to become anemic. There are typically two different types of anemia that vegetarians and vegans tend to get: iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegetarians tend to become iron deficiency anemic more often and vegans tend to become vitamin B12 deficient more often because they give up all animal products including, honey, dairy, and eggs.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you are not getting enough iron in your diet. Iron is a necessity for carrying oxygen in your red blood cells and providing your body with energy. This typically results in fatigue, but can also cause drowsiness, light headedness, and headaches. Many people actually have a type of mild anemia without actually realizing it.

Iron comes in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from animal products like meat, fish, and poultry. Non-heme iron comes from plants and veggies. It can be used by your body, but is more difficult for your body to process. As a vegan, you should make sure to eat iron rich foods in combination with vitamin C. Vitamin C works to help your body absorb iron. If you are really feeling iron deficient and just can’t seem to get it into your diet, then it might be time to take a multivitamin.