A client who follows a vegan diet should be assessed for deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Calcium
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that vitamin B12 deficiency is a particular risk for people who follow vegan diets. B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-based foods, and plant foods don’t provide reliable amounts unless they’re fortified. Because the body stores B12 and uses it for red blood cell formation and nervous system maintenance, a vegan who doesn’t use fortified foods or supplements can develop deficiency over time.

That’s why assessing B12 status is most important for someone on a vegan diet. If B12 is insufficient, you can see fatigue, pallor from anemia, and neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, balance problems, or cognitive changes. To evaluate it, clinicians often check serum B12, and if results are inconclusive, look at metabolites such as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine, which rise when B12 is lacking. The practical approach is to ensure vegan clients use B12-fortified foods or take a supplement, with ongoing monitoring of their status.