Question: I am a vegetarian and would like some advice on what I should be eating, to get enough vitamins and minerals. Also are there any vitamins or supplements I can take to keep me fit and healthy?


Answer: There is plenty of good data available to demonstrate that vegetarians have less health risks than non-vegetarians; it is just important to strive to be a ‘good vegetarian' where you enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and legumes. Nutrient wise, it does depend how strict your diet is eg being a vegan with no dairy, fish or eggs requires more discipline to ensure you are getting adequate protein.

Whist there is far too much information to attempt to outline a healthy eating plan in an email, once you have identified what level of vegetarian you are striving to be, you will find plenty of good information / recipes on-line eg vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian (dairy & eggs), lacto vegetarian (dairy).

Supplementation wise the most crucial nutrient to consider is vitamin B12, as this essential vitamin is only found in good quantities in meat sources. The Herron Women's Multi and a Men's Multi contain B12 and provide a convenient daily supplement. The other B group vitamins in these products help the body in the conversion of food to energy. These multis can also help provide some general nutritional insurance. If you are a vegan, you should also have a chat to your pharmacist who may recommend an additional B12 supplement. 

Bob Wootton N.D.
Naturopath - Herron Natural Healthcare

The information provided is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, ailment, treatment or condition nor is it implied to be a substitute for medical advice.