Which nutrient combination is most essential to ensure adequate intake for a vegetarian adolescent?

Which nutrient combination is most essential to ensure adequate intake for a vegetarian adolescent?

• A. Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc
• B. Calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D
• C. Niacin, thiamine, iron, and calcium
• D. Calcium, vitamin D, thiamine, and iron

Answer: (B)

Vegetarian adolescents are at risk for certain nutrient gaps because plant-based foods often lack vitamin B12 and have lower bioavailability of iron and zinc, while bone development during adolescence relies on calcium and vitamin D. The best nutrient combination to support growth, blood health, and bone development includes calcium and vitamin D for bone mineralization and calcium absorption, iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, zinc for growth and immune function, and vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency that plant-based diets commonly miss. Vitamin B12 is especially crucial since it is mainly found in animal-derived foods, and deficiency can affect neurodevelopment and red blood cell production during rapid adolescent growth; vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone health, with many teens needing fortified sources or supplements. The other options mix nutrients that are less likely to be deficient in a vegetarian teen (like niacin or thiamine) or omit B12, D, or zinc, making them less protective overall.

Vegetarian adolescents are at risk for certain nutrient gaps because plant-based foods often lack vitamin B12 and have lower bioavailability of iron and zinc, while bone development during adolescence relies on calcium and vitamin D. The best nutrient combination to support growth, blood health, and bone development includes calcium and vitamin D for bone mineralization and calcium absorption, iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, zinc for growth and immune function, and vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency that plant-based diets commonly miss. Vitamin B12 is especially crucial since it is mainly found in animal-derived foods, and deficiency can affect neurodevelopment and red blood cell production during rapid adolescent growth; vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone health, with many teens needing fortified sources or supplements. The other options mix nutrients that are less likely to be deficient in a vegetarian teen (like niacin or thiamine) or omit B12, D, or zinc, making them less protective overall.