Vegans are at extremely high risk of deficiency of which vitamin?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: Vegans are at extremely high risk of deficiency of which vitamin?
Option a: Vitamin B12. B12 deficiency is a well-established risk for vegans because natural B12 sources are primarily animal-based, and plant foods contain little to no active B12. This makes supplementation or fortified foods important for those not consuming animal products.
Option b: Protein. While total protein intake can be a concern if a vegan diet is poorly planned, the statement that vegans are at extremely high risk of protein deficiency is not generally true in developed settings where a variety of plant proteins are consumed; many vegans meet protein requirements through beans, lentils, grains, and soy.
Option c: Iron. Vegans can be at risk for iron deficiency due to non-heme iron, which has lower absorption compared to heme iron from animal sources. However, with good dietary planning and absorption-enhancing practices (like vitamin C co-consumption), iron deficiency can be addressed. The risk is real but not as uniquely high or definitive as B12 in vegan populations.
Option d: Calcium. Calcium needs can be met on a vegan diet through fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and other calcium-rich plant foods. While intake should be monitored, the notional risk is not as singled out as B12, given sufficient plant-based calcium sources and supplementation if needed.
In summary, among the listed nutrients, vitamin B12 is the one most characteristically deficient in vegan diets due to its predominant presence in animal-derived foods, making supplementation or fortified foods commonly advised. The other options may pose concerns depending on diet quality, but B12 stands out as the nutrient at highest risk when animal products are excluded.

Vegans are at extremely high risk of deficiency of which vitamin?

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