I would like please to know from experienced vegetarians if you take any supplements or not and which ones if any
I've lost count how long ago it was that I transitioned to vegetarianism. I transitioned in a similar way to the way you're currently doing, and that's by reducing the amount of meat I was eating till it was virtually none, then completely stopped eating anything that was made with an ingredient caused by the death of an animal. When I started off, I didn't take any supplements, and I still don't (I have taken multi vitamins but sparsely, and never regularly - I still have the same bottle). I was a teen when I turned to a vegetarian diet, and back then I was quite fussy, there was many vegetables that I didn't eat, and I wouldn't touch fruit. Now I eat near enough all vegetables, and a little fruit, but despite this I've always been considered healthy by my doctor (I don't condone not eating fruit or veg, it is essential for a balanced diet).
Here is a question about whether "a vegetarian diet indirectly cause vitamin C deficiency?" - the answer is no, but MHH talks in the answers about how:
vitamin C found in fruit helps you absorb iron found in other plant based food
The question asks "Is there a good rule of thumb for eating correctly?"
The BBC published an article titled "A balanced diet for vegetarians". Within this article, they talk about the suggested intakes of different food groups, and what the suggested portion size of certain food groups are. They also talk about what foods would be good for different meals throughout the day, along with the benefits from certain foods, i.e.:
Eggs provide a good balance of quality protein combined with fat, plus the yolks are a useful source of vitamin D
There's also a lot of meal suggestions.
All of these mentioned should hopeful give you a well-rounded idea of what is needed for a balanced diet. As for
Is it necessary to take supplements when starting with vegetarianism?
As long as you have a balanced diet, the answer is no. The NHS has a Q&A about a vegetarian and vegan diet, including whether supplements are needed. They do warn that:
Vegetarians need to make sure they get enough iron and vitamin B12, and vegans enough calcium, iron and vitamin B12.
Vegetarian foods that contain vitamin B12
Vegetarian foods that contain iron
Vegetarian foods that contain protein
A list of vitamins and minerals and which Vegetarian foods they can be found in.
(All from the Vegetarian Society)
