Which nutrients act as coenzymes to regulate metabolism?

A. While vegans must plan their meals to meet energy needs, getting enough calories is generally achievable with a variety of plant-based foods, including grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Caloric intake is usually not the primary nutritional concern.

B. The main nutritional concern in a vegan diet is the potential for deficiencies in nutrients primarily found in animal products. These include calcium (important for bone health), iron (especially the heme form, which is more readily absorbed), zinc (essential for immune function and growth), vitamin B12 (crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation), and vitamin D (supports calcium absorption and bone health). Vegans can prevent deficiencies through fortified foods, supplements, and careful meal planning to include plant sources of these nutrients.

C. Although a vegan diet can be very healthy when well-planned, it is not without potential nutritional concerns. Without proper planning, deficiencies can occur, particularly in B12 and minerals.

D. While calcium deficiency is a concern, vitamin B6 is generally abundant in plant foods, so it is not a primary concern for vegans. The bigger issues involve B12, iron, zinc, and vitamin D.

A. This describes behaviors associated with binge-eating disorder, where individuals consume large amounts of food without engaging in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.

B. This describes bulimia nervosa, which involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or over-exercising to prevent weight gain.

C. Frequent overeating and rapid weight gain are not characteristic of anorexia nervosa. This pattern is more consistent with binge-eating disorder or general obesity-related behaviors.

D. Anorexia nervosa is a potentially fatal eating disorder characterized by self-starvation, extreme restriction of caloric intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and excessive weight loss. Clinical features often include emaciation, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, electrolyte imbalances, amenorrhea in females, and hair or skin changes. Anorexia nervosa carries a high risk of medical complications, including cardiovascular collapse, osteoporosis, and death if untreated.