A well-planned plant-based diet covers most nutrients, but two come up again and again: vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Here's why, and how the Plant-Based Essentials Duo covers both.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against peer-reviewed research and NIH guidance | Updated October 26, 2026
What supplements do vegans need?
Vitamin B12 is found naturally almost only in animal foods, so vegans and many vegetarians need fortified foods or a supplement[1]. Vitamin D is hard to get from any diet, and few plant foods contain it[2]. A B complex with B12 plus a vegan D3 covers both.
Sources: NIH Vitamin B12 · NIH Vitamin D · NIH Vitamin K · Verified 2026-10-26
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why B12 matters on a plant-based diet
B12 helps keep nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA. It's found naturally in meat, fish, eggs and dairy, so people who eat few or no animal foods are at higher risk of running low[1]. Low B12 can cause fatigue and, over time, nerve problems, and it can develop slowly. More in Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and What Actually Helps.
Why vitamin D is hard to get
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and many of them are animal-based, like fatty fish and egg yolks. Your skin makes vitamin D from sunlight, but that drops in winter and with indoor lifestyles[2]. Our K2 + D3 gummy is vegan, and K2 is paired in because vitamin K helps activate proteins that bind calcium in bone[3].
The honest summary
- B12 is the one nutrient plant-based eaters really can't skip.
- Vitamin D is low for lots of people, vegan or not.
- A simple two-gummy routine covers both.
What's in the Plant-Based Essentials Duo
- Vitamin B Complex Gummies, Vegan, 60ct: 20mcg B12 plus B3, B5, B6, biotin and folate in one daily gummy.
- Vitamin K2 + D3 Gummies, 500mcg K2, Vegan, 60ct
Our option
The Plant-Based Essentials Duo
Vegan B Complex plus Vegan K2 + D3. Two 60ct bottles, third-party tested, for less than buying them separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do vegetarians need B12 too?
Often, yes. Eggs and dairy contain some B12, but many vegetarians still fall short[1].
Is vitamin D3 vegan?
Many D3 supplements come from lanolin (sheep's wool). Ours is vegan, so check the label on any D3 you buy.
Who should check with a doctor first?
Anyone taking blood thinners like warfarin, since vitamin K can affect how they work[3].
Sources
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication.
