What nutrients are vegan diets highly unlikely to provide adequate amounts of?

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Study for the University of Central Florida Human Nutrition Exam 2. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Vegan diets are typically limited in specific nutrients that are most often found in animal products, which is why Vitamin B12, Calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D are particularly relevant.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells, but it is primarily found in animal products. Vegans must rely on fortified foods or supplements to meet their B12 needs.

Calcium is essential for bone health and is abundantly found in dairy products, making it a nutrient of concern in vegan diets. While there are plant sources of calcium, such as leafy green vegetables and fortified plant milks, they may not provide enough to meet the daily requirements consistently.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are important for brain health and are usually obtained from fish. While flaxseeds and walnuts are good plant-based sources of ALA (a type of omega-3), the conversion of ALA to the more beneficial EPA and DHA is inefficient in the human body, making it important for vegans to seek fortified foods or consider algae-based supplements.

Vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone health, is primarily obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified foods. Vegans may find it challenging to