Nutrition Section 1 Practice Test

Vitamin B12 is the nutrient most often lacking in plant foods. It’s produced by bacteria and mainly found in animal-derived products, so most plants don’t contain a reliable amount of bioavailable B12. For vegetarians, especially those who don’t consume dairy or eggs, getting enough B12 from diet alone is unlikely, making supplementation or consumption of fortified foods a common and important strategy. B12 is essential for forming red blood cells and maintaining nervous system health; deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological problems if not addressed. In contrast, foods rich in vitamin C (from plants), vitamin D from sun exposure and fortified foods, and vitamin A from plant carotenoids are typically available in vegetarian diets, so those aren’t the nutrients most commonly missing.