Our body requires plenty of things for growth, sustenance, and well-being, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals. Our needs for nutrients vary with age, physical, and mental activity. When growth is the focus in the early stages of life, protein-rich food becomes critical, providing the body with its building blocks.
During the growing age of early life, plant-based food must be accompanied by nutrient-dense animal food like milk and its products, fish, and meat. In addition to minerals and phytochemicals, milk is rich in protein and fats.
Later in life plant-based diet gives us enough nutrients for growth and sustenance. However, some essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 and omega3 fatty acids still need to be taken on top of the basic diet. These can come either from supplements or animal-based food.
Natural foods collectively provide us with a range of nutrients. Regardless, the quantity of nutrients in a single portion of food is often not enough to meet the body’s needs. Sometimes, a nutrient is not available to the body because of poor bioavailability. In such cases, the option available to us is food products and nutraceuticals developed to correct any deficiency of a single or a group of nutrients.
Most products offered in the market are nutraceuticals that seek to meet deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Physicians prescribe these as the key marketing channel for such products.
We also have protein supplement formulations targeting the sports and fitness community. Products that seek to provide protein, iron, and mineral supplements for the growing needs of children too are widely available. Anti-aging nutritional supplements providing critical micronutrients and other essential foods to the aged people market is also quite vibrant. These include collagen formulations that help improve skin and repair wear and tear due to aging.
In short, vegan food has its health advantages. However, the body needs supplements like Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 fatty acids for good health. Large sections of the world population live on plant-based foods with dairy products added to them to make them nutritionally comprehensive.
Additional reading:
Nutrition Facts a guide to good health