Standard Process Vitamins

Multivitamins?

About two months ago I began a vegetarian diet, but I'm concerned about not getting enough iron/protein. Is there either a way to avoid eating multivitamins while still getting enough iron/protein required? If not, could someone direct me to a recommended multi-vitamin/supplement product?

Public Comments

1. Vegetarian & vegans, do not need to take any multivitamins, unless they choose to do so. Here are some sources of iron/protein: Iron: Spinach, potato, beans (black, lentils, pinto, soy), quinoa, tempeh, peas, nuts (cashews, almonds), watermelon, meat substitutes, broccoli, seaweeds, dried apricots, wholemeal bread, raisins, prunes, dates, seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin), chickpeas, black-eyed peas, legumes, oatmeal, dark-green leafy vegetables, cabbage, tofu, pulses, wheat-germ, parsley, millet, blackstrap molasses, tomato juice, soy milk, teff, whole wheat bread, cream of wheat. Protein: Spirulina, quinoa, buckwheat, hempseed, and amaranth, & soy products such as soybeans, tofu, tempeh, and miso, nuts & seeds (almond, cashew, walnuts, sunflower), beans, (black, lentils, lima, pinto), TVP, lentils, peas, nutritional yeast, chickpeas, edamame, soy milks and other milk substitutes, seitan, meat substitutes, pulses, whole grains, brown rice, nut butters (almond, peanut), broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, grapefruit, apples, & strawberries. Vegetarian nutrition: http://www.vegsoc.org/health/ http://www.vegsource.com/nutrition/pyramid.jpg
2. http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/09/the-great-protein-myth/ http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/protein_myth.html
3. I believe it's best to get your vitamins and minerals from food only. Taking supplements doesn't take into account the additional things your body needs for absorption of these minerals and vitamins and can cause problems in the long run. Read this nutritionist's take: http://beandiet.blogspot.com/search/label/supplements However, before I came to this conclusion due to much personal research, I took the multinutrient supplement "Hema-Plex". It is vegetarian and available at our local natural foods co-op. http://www.naturesplus.com/products/productDetail.asp?criteria=search&searchVar=3770&productnumber=3770&category=20 You will have to make the ultimate choice for yourself. :)
4. this might sound kinda weird, but my doctor recommended prenatal vitamins...they have a good dosage of iron and calcium which vegetarians are lacking. plus you dont have to take a whole bunch of different supplements, the prenatal covers it all!