Which vitamins should pregnant vegans take?

Created on: June 23, 2026
Last edited on: June 23, 2026

Vegan pregnant women should pay particular attention to vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D, iodine, and DHA from microalgae oil. Depending on diet, blood values, and individual situation, iron, choline, calcium, and zinc may also be beneficial. Some of the mentioned supplements are relevant regardless of diet.

→ A detailed overview is available in our PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE, which we have developed together with Dr. Anika Döll and nutrition scientist Christina Dengg (BBSc, MSc). The guide is currently published in German, but can be translated using tools like ChatGPT or Google’s browser translator. The guide provides a well-founded introduction and general guidance, but it does not replace individual nutrition counseling or medical care. Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend seeking personalized support from qualified healthcare professionals. Examples include Dr. Anika Döll, Christina Dengg, or Dominik Machner.

ℹ️ Neither this FAQ nor the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Guide replaces individual nutritional and health advice from qualified professionals.

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs for numerous processes. During pregnancy, the need for certain vitamins and nutrients increases significantly because both the mother and the growing baby must be nourished. In addition to vitamins, minerals and fatty acids are also relevant for nutrient supply in a vegan pregnancy.

Which vitamins and supplements are recommended in vegan pregnancy?

The following is not a substitute for individual nutritional and health advice from qualified professionals. All information is provided without warranty. Individual needs may vary depending on health status, blood values, and diet.

Some of these nutrients are considered important regardless of diet. In particular, vitamin B12 requires additional attention in a vegan diet, as it cannot be obtained solely from plants.

Other potentially relevant nutrients are choline, calcium, and zinc. Whether supplementation is useful depends on diet, blood values, and the individual situation.

→ See detailed explanations of individual nutrients

Generally recommended supplements during pregnancy

Regardless of whether one eats vegan or not, certain vitamins and other nutrients are often supplemented during pregnancy to meet the increased nutrient requirements:

• Folic acid
• Vitamin D
• Iodine
• Iron in case of proven deficiency (common in pregnancy)
• DHA (Omega-3)

 

Summary - Which vitamins should pregnant vegans take?

The most important vitamins and supplements in vegan pregnancy are:

✓ Vitamin B12
✓ Folic acid
✓ Vitamin D
✓ Iodine
✓ DHA from microalgae oil

Additionally, supplementation with iron, choline, calcium, and zinc may be beneficial.
A well-planned vegan diet can also meet requirements during pregnancy, provided that adequate supply of critical nutrients is ensured. More about optimal nutrient supply during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be found in our PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING GUIDE.

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