The nurse is giving dietary instructions to a client who is on a vegan diet. The nurse provides dietary teaching focus on foods high in which vitamin that may be lacking in a vegan diet?

Correct Answer: B. Vitamin D

Deficiencies in vegetarian diets include vitamin B12 which is found in animal products and vitamin D (if limited exposure to sunlight). Vegans and other vegetarians who limit their intake of animal products may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency than nonvegetarians because foods providing the highest amount of vitamin D per gram naturally are all from animal sources, and fortification with vitamin D currently occurs in few foods.

• Option A: Plant sources contain vitamin A in the form of carotenoids which have to be converted during digestion into retinol before the body can use it. Carotenoids are the pigments that give plants their green color and some fruits and vegetables their red or orange color.
• Option C: The best way to get the daily requirement of vitamin E is by eating food sources. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals. It is an antioxidant. This means it protects body tissue from damage caused by substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs. They are believed to play a role in certain conditions related to aging.
• Option D: Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables, which are eaten by a vegetarian. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C, so it is strictly obtained through the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C.