Even with the best intentions, most people don’t meet all their nutrient needs through diet alone. Modern lifestyles, changing food environments and the body’s biological demands all play a role in creating nutrient gaps - and these gaps can look quite different for men, women and children. Understanding where deficiencies commonly appear, and why, can help you support your family’s long-term health.
Ultra-processed foods, low fruit and vegetable intake, and hectic routines mean meals are often quick and low in micronutrient density. Even balanced diets can fall short of key minerals such as magnesium, iodine and iron. Learn more about why a varied diet is so important.
Men and women have different metabolic and hormonal requirements.
Children need rapidly increasing amounts of nutrients to support brain development, bone growth, immune function and metabolism. Their diets, however, can be inconsistent or selective, making deficiencies more common. Learn more about nutrition for children as they develop.
Men often have higher requirements for nutrients linked to energy production, muscle health and hormone balance.
Common deficiencies in men include:
| Zinc | Important for normal testosterone levels, immune function and fertility. Low intake is common in men who don’t eat seafood, dairy or meat regularly. |
| Magnesium | Needed for muscle function, energy metabolism, mood balance and sleep. Stress, exercise and alcohol all increase magnesium loss. Read more about how to know if you're deficient in magnesium. |
| Vitamin D | Low across the population, but particularly important for men’s immunity, muscle function and hormonal health. Learn more about how to know if you're deficient in vitamin D. |
| Omega 3 fatty acids | Omega 3 supports heart, brain and inflammation balance. It is common for many men to have very little or no oily fish in their diet. Supplementation can address this. Remember that you can get Omega 3 in a vegan form now. |
| B-vitamins | Essential for energy, metabolism, cognitive performance and reducing tiredness. |
DR.VEGAN ® Men’s ProMulti provides zinc, vitamin D3, magnesium, B-vitamins and other essential nutrients to help fill these common male nutrient gaps.
Women’s nutrient needs shift due to menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, making deficiencies especially common.
| Iron | One of the most widespread deficiencies due to menstrual blood loss. Low iron impacts energy, concentration and mood. |
| B12 and folate | Needed for red blood cell formation, hormone regulation and fertility. Intake may be low in those who eat fewer animal foods. |
| Calcium and vitamin D | Essential for bone health, especially during menopause when oestrogen naturally declines. Learn more about the importance of bone health in menopause. |
| Magnesium | Supports hormone balance, mood, sleep and stress tolerance - all essential for women’s wellbeing. |
| Iodine | Vital for thyroid function and metabolism. Low intake is common, especially in dairy-free diets. |
DR.VEGAN® Women’s ProMulti contains iron, iodine, folate, B12, vitamin D and magnesium to help support women through these life stages.
Children grow rapidly, which increases the demand for protein, minerals and brain-supporting nutrients. Their diets can also be selective, making consistent nutrient intake challenging.
| Vitamin D | Essential for bone development and immunity. Most children in the UK are advised to supplement, particularly in winter. |
| Iron | Important for cognitive development and energy. Children who don’t eat much meat or iron-rich plant foods may fall short. |
| Omega 3 DHA | Crucial for brain development, attention and learning. Intake from food is often low. |
| Calcium and magnesium | Needed for bone growth, muscle function and nerve health. |
| Iodine | Important for thyroid function and cognitive development, but intake can be low in dairy-free households. |
DR.VEGAN® Kid’s ProMulti contains optimal doses of 25 active ingredients including 2 billion live cultures, to support your child's development of healthy immunity, bones, teeth, muscles, brain and cognitive function, hormonal balance, and digestion.
A comprehensive multivitamin helps ensure daily baseline coverage, especially when diets vary. DR.VEGAN® Men’s ProMulti, Women’s ProMulti and Kid's ProMulti are formulas designed to support the specific biological needs of men, women and kids to help reduce the risk of common deficiencies.
For men, women and children who do not consume oily fish regularly, omega 3 supplements (including algae-based DHA for vegans) help support brain, heart and inflammatory health. DR.VEGAN's Vegan Omega 3 contains the optimal dose of DHA and EPA, sustainably sourced from plant algae without damaging marine ecosystems.
Stress, poor sleep and high caffeine intake can all deplete micronutrients. Supporting healthy routines helps stabilise nutrient use and hormonal balance.
Regular meals, balanced snacks and exposure to diverse foods help prevent micronutrient gaps in children and adults alike.
Men, women and children all experience nutrient deficiencies for different reasons - from hormonal changes to growth, lifestyle patterns and modern dietary habits. Understanding these differences allows you to take simple steps to support better health. With a nutrient-dense diet, omega 3 intake and high-quality supplements like DR.VEGAN®'s Multivitamin range, you can help ensure your family gets the essential nutrients they need at every stage of life.
View our range of award-winning probiotics, vitamins and supplements.
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