Final answer:
Veganism is the type of vegetarianism most likely to have inadequate vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin B12 and iron, due to the exclusion of all animal products. Vegans need to plan their diet carefully and consider supplementation to avoid deficiencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of vegetarianism most likely to result in inadequate vitamins and minerals is veganism. Vegans do not consume any animal products, including dairy and eggs, which increases the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Lacking these nutrients can lead to health issues such as iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. It's important for vegans to carefully plan their diet and may require supplements to avoid malnutrition. Those not ingesting enough protein and essential amino acids may also experience low energy levels, highlighting the need for a diverse diet with adequate sources of protein.
Healthy vegetarian diets should include a wide variety of foods to ensure all essential nutrients are consumed. This entails combining different plant-based sources of protein to obtain all essential amino acids and supplementing where necessary. Individuals opting for vegetarian diets, especially vegans, should consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist to address potential nutritional gaps and monitor their nutritional status regularly.