What vitamin should a vegan student ensure they are consuming adequately?

A vegan student should pay particular attention to adequately consuming Vitamin B12. This vitamin is primarily found in animal-derived foods, and since vegans do not consume these products, they are at risk for deficiency. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and forming red blood cells. Its deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological issues, making it vital for anyone following a vegan diet to seek out fortified foods or consider supplementation to meet their B12 needs.

Other nutrients like Vitamin C, iron, and calcium are important as well, but they can generally be obtained from plant-based sources. For example, Vitamin C is abundant in fruits and vegetables, iron can be found in legumes and leafy greens, and calcium is present in fortified plant milks or certain leafy vegetables. However, Vitamin B12 is uniquely challenging to obtain in sufficient amounts from a vegan diet, which is why it is particularly critical for vegan students to ensure their intake is adequate.