Veganism and mood

[VeganQuestion]

DH has been vegan for 2 years. I think his mood has been much worse since he became vegan, and he seems low and tired and grumpy a lot. He doesn't think there's a problem.
I get him to take vitamins for vegans (and/or good doses of B complex and D), and he eats well I think (lots of nuts, etc).
Has anyone else experienced veganism affecting mood?

[KingIrving]

I am vegan and happy and have good mood generally. There are many kinds of vegans. The doritos-oreos-chips kind and the plant based vegan. Eating lots of carrots does turn you slightly orange but you keep a big sense of humour especially when the kids joke I am turning into Trump. On the days I eat crap, I feel crappy, so I almost never eat crap.

You mention nuts, what else does he eat?

[VeganQuestion]

Thanks for responding, king. He's much more of a plant based vegan (with a few Doritos and Oreos thrown in). Lots of veg, nuts, some soya stuff, lots of olive oil... I think he does pretty well on the whole. But I really think his mood did a nose dive

[sprinklemonkey]

might it be related to any personal situation (stress / tiredness / life worries) instead? can you think of any reasons other than dietary ones?

otherwise maybe Omega 3 supplement (you can get vegan ones) with EPA in it might help...

[sprinklemonkey]

also does he get regular exercise? great for boosting mood and endorphins...

[VeganQuestion]

Thanks sprinkle. He does lots of exercise and I can't think of anything else that changed at that point.

[KingIrving]

In this case, I would point the finger at an iron deficiency. Low iron can cause mood swings and irritability . You are saying he takes floats (the Bs) and D but what about iron?
I supplement with B12 and spatone sachet. Does he drink a lot of tea/coffee. I discovered I was mildly deficient in iron despite following the rules because I was having my supplements near coffee. HE should supplement with iron in the evening, 2 hours after last drop of coffee/tea (included decaf)

[CatsOclock]

Maybe try some floradix? (Do check it's vegan first though.)

[VeganQuestion]

That's a good thought, King, and I'll look at Floradix, cats.

Actually, I hadn't really thought of iron. I'll have a look at getting some in for him. And he drinks masses of coffee. Hmmm....

[KingIrving]

I take an iron supplement called Spatone. It is in a liquid form and completely absorbed without of the side effects usually associated with iron supplements.
Coffee before or after food containing iron lowers the body absorption by as much as 80%. Having vitamin C (a quarter of lemon, broccolis, .piece of grapefruit..) with the food containing iron or the supplement boosts absorption by 70%.

I have my blood tested every 6 months for deficiencies. It might be good to have him tested for his levels of folates, vit D and iron.There is no point in speculating what it could be and supplementing if it is not necessary. Test and you will know for sure. If he is very anaemic, the GP can even prescribe an iron infusion.

[VeganQuestion]

Thanks king.
Bought Spatone today (though now he won't take it, ffs, I give up).