Health pioneers BetterYou unveil a specially formulated oral spray combining the fundamental nutrients needed to support those on a vegan diet.

A world’s first, the Vegan Health Oral Spray has been formulated with four essential nutrients that are underrepresented in a plant-based diet. Containing vegan certified vitamin D3, vitamin B12, iron and iodine at scientifically substantiated levels, the spray is available online now.

On average, vegans live three and a half years longer than omnivores, but with vitamin and mineral absorption from plant products lower than that of animal products, supplementation is essential to ensure optimal levels of key nutrients to support health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that regulates the intake of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous which are vital minerals required, among other things, for the formation of healthy bones. Vitamin D supplement is one of the highly consumed dietary substitutes. Supplements for magnesium like Magnesium Taurate are also taken by many for maintaining optimal health.

Research has found that the vast majority of those following a plant-based diet have sub-optimal levels of vitamin D, with just 10 per cent of vegans having serum vitamin D concentration levels of >75 nmol/L, which is the level proposed by some researchers to be optimal.

Dietary supplement company, BetterYou, advocates an intake of 1000IU of vitamin D for every 25kg of body weight to maintain a healthy level. This means that for an adult, 2000-3000IU daily is an adequate level to contribute to general wellbeing.

BetterYou’s Vegan Health Oral Spray provides an optimum strength of 3000IU, from 100 per cent plant-origin vitamin D3.

Vitamin B12

A critical nutrient, vitamin B12 supports energy levels, reduces tiredness and fatigue and aids concentration. However, unlike some B vitamins, B12 is not found in any plant food other than fortified cereals which makes it difficult for those following a plant-based diet to get the necessary amount.

A recent UK study has found that 50 per cent of vegan participants were vitamin B12 deficient and an additional 21 per cent were also classified as having very low levels.

With a research review suggesting that vegans should consume 6μg of supplemental B12 daily, the new Vegan Health Oral Spray contains 6μg of vitamin B12 which is an equal combination of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, ideal for bioavailability and utilisation within the body.

Iron

Owing to a diet rich in wholegrains, vegans consume similar amounts of iron as omnivores. However, the body doesn’t absorb iron effectively from plant-based sources, which means that vegans need to pay attention to ensuring that sufficiency is prioritised.

A lack of iron within the body can cause tiredness, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Research recommends that iron intakes for those following a plant-based diet be increased by 80 per cent, so that adult males and females achieve a recommended intake of 14mg per day and 33mg per day respectively, to account for the absorption issues of plant-based iron sources.

The innovative Vegan Health Oral Spray contains 5mg of highly bioavailable, ferric EDTA iron which helps to maintain healthy iron levels, plugging any gaps left from plant-based nutrition.

Iodine

The body uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones help keep cells and your metabolic rate healthy as well as aiding proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.

Studies have found that plant-based diets can pose an elevated risk of iodine deficiency. This is because the amount of iodine found in plant-based foods, such as cereals and grains, is inconsistent and depends on how much iodine is in the soil the plant is grown in.

100 per cent of the European Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), identified as 150μg, can be found in the Vegan Health Oral Spray to ensure optimal levels.