Question

Eileen is a strict vegan and therefore eats no animal products. She develops an anemia that her doctor thinks is caused by a nutritional deficiency. Which of the following is the likeliest candidate?

1) lack of intrinsic factor
2) vitamin B12 deficiency
3) vitamin B6 deficiency
4) iron deficiency
5) vitamin K deficiency

Answer 1

The most likely candidate for Eileen's anemia, given her strict vegan diet, is a vitamin B12 deficiency. This nutrient is typically found in animal products and can be deficient in vegan diets unless supplemented. Iron deficiency is also a possibility, but vitamin B12 deficiency is more specific to her dietary restrictions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eileen, being a strict vegan, is likely experiencing anemia due to a nutritional deficiency. The most likely candidate for her condition is a vitamin B12 deficiency. This type of deficiency is common among vegans and vegetarians because vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products. A vegan diet typically lacks this essential nutrient unless it is carefully planned to include fortified foods or supplements.

Anemia can also occur due to iron deficiency, which is the most common type of anemia. However, it is more likely for vegans to supplement iron through plant-based sources such as legumes and spinach. Pernicious anemia, a version of vitamin B12 deficit, is characterized by poor absorption of this vitamin and could be the underlying issue, but without the lack of intrinsic factor mentioned, vitamin B12 deficiency itself is the stronger candidate.

While vitamin B6 deficiency and vitamin K deficiency can contribute to different health issues, they are not typically associated with anemia in the same direct way as vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies. Therefore, among the provided options, vitamin B12 deficiency is the likeliest candidate for Eileen's anemia, given her strict vegan dietary habits. Supplementation of vitamin B12 should be considered to address this deficiency and improve her anemic condition