Which vitamin would typically be absent in a vegan diet?

A vegan diet excludes all animal-derived products, which means certain nutrients that are predominantly found in animal foods may be lacking. Vitamin B12 is unique in this context because it is primarily obtained from animal sources such as meat, dairy, and eggs. While some fortified foods and supplements provide B12, it is not naturally present in plant foods. Therefore, individuals following a strictly vegan diet need to be mindful of their B12 intake to avoid deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological issues.

Other vitamins mentioned, like Vitamin A, can be found in plant foods in the form of beta-carotene (which the body can convert to active Vitamin A), Vitamin C is abundant in fruits and vegetables, and Vitamin D, while more challenging to obtain from a vegan diet, can still be sourced from fortified plant milks or through sun exposure. Thus, Vitamin B12 stands out as the vitamin that is typically absent in a vegan diet without careful planning or supplementation.