ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

A 17-year-old woman following a strict vegan diet is most likely deficient in which vitamin given her symptoms of chronic fatigue and irritability?

1. Vitamin B1

2. Vitamin B12

3. Vitamin B2

4. Vitamin B6

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12

The symptoms of chronic fatigue and irritability in a 17-year-old woman following a strict vegan diet point towards a deficiency in vitamin B12. This vitamin is primarily found in animal products, and those adhering to a vegan lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency due to the lack of direct sources in their diet. Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and supporting the formation of red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, weakness, and mood disturbances, which align with the symptoms presented. The body does not produce vitamin B12 on its own, so it must be obtained through diet or supplementation, making it particularly vital for individuals on a vegan diet to monitor their intake. While other B vitamins can also become deficient, vitamin B12 is the most concerning for vegans due to its limited availability in plant-based foods. This creates a significant risk for deficiency-related symptoms, especially in someone who is experiencing fatigue and irritability, which can be attributed to inadequate levels of this essential nutrient.