Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which mineral might a strict vegetarian diet lack?

1. Choline

2. Iron

3. Potassium

4. Folate

The correct answer is: Iron

A strict vegetarian diet might lack iron primarily because the best-known sources of iron are found in animal products, particularly red meats. While vegetarian diets can include sources of iron, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens, the type of iron found in these plant sources is non-heme iron, which is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron found in animal sources. Moreover, certain dietary components, such as phytates in whole grains and certain fibers, can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Therefore, while vegetarians can obtain iron from plant-based sources, they may need to be more mindful of their dietary choices to ensure they meet their iron needs and may need to pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption for optimal health. The other options, while important in a balanced diet, do not represent the same level of concern when following a vegetarian diet. Choline, potassium, and folate are generally found in a variety of plant-based foods and can be adequately consumed through a well-planned vegetarian diet.