Which dietary vitamin is particularly critical for vegans and vegetarians to consider?

Vitamin B-12 is essential for vegans and vegetarians to pay particular attention to because it is primarily found in animal products. This vitamin plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Since those on a vegan or vegetarian diet do not consume meat, fish, or dairy products, they may be at risk for B-12 deficiency if they do not seek alternative sources or supplements.

While vitamins K, E, and D are important for overall health, they are more readily available in plant-based foods or can be synthesized by the body (in the case of vitamin D, through sunlight exposure). Vitamin B-12, however, requires specific dietary sources that are not typically part of vegan or vegetarian diets, making it particularly critical for individuals following these eating patterns to consider their intake of this nutrient carefully.