7 Nutrients You May Be Missing On A Plant-Based Diet + A Gut Specialist's Favorite Sources

There are, however, guiding principles that underpin an eating pattern that supports good gut health. If you only take one thing away, this is it: The power of plant diversity is key, and the more the merrier. What this looks like in terms of final foods is really up to you, your preferences, and where you are on your gut health journey.

This reinforces the fact that there is no single "right" way to eat. That said, if you are cutting out entire food groups, you're naturally at an increased risk of a nutritional deficiency. Rest assured: It is possible to get all the nutrients you need from other foods.

Dairy foods are rich in calcium. If you're not eating these, choose calcium-fortified plant-based milks. Other sources include tofu (check on the label that it's set with calcium chloride or calcium sulfate), and spring greens. Keep in mind that, although spinach contains calcium, it's mostly bound to a compound called oxalate, which limits its absorption.

Seafood is a good source of iodine. If you don't eat seafood, you may like to consider including sea vegetables in your diet. While plant-based foods such as cereals and grains can be a source of iodine, the levels vary depending on the amount of iodine in the soil where the plants were grown.

The iron found in plants (nonheme iron) is less efficiently absorbed. To help your body absorb iron from plant foods, include a source of vitamin C with your meals. These include tomatoes, peppers, oranges, and strawberries.

Most of the health benefits of omega-3 have been linked to animal-based sources (docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA). The plant-based type of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA) can be converted by our bodies into DHA and EPA. But the conversion is not efficient, which is why, if you're vegan, it's important to include plenty of the plant-based sources and consider fortified foods or supplements.

Meat, fish, and nuts are good sources of selenium. If you're purely plant-based, it's best to include nuts in your diet. Brazil nuts top the selenium charts.

Eggs and dairy are good sources of B12. If you're vegan, consider foods fortified with B12, including fortified plant-based milks and yogurts. Nutritional yeast is another source, which I commonly use in cooking for its cheesy flavor profile.

Phytates found in plant foods such as whole grains and legumes can reduce zinc absorption. Fermenting and sprouting can help reduce the amount of phytates in these foods. Nuts and seeds are also good sources.