Who would most likely get the most benefit from adding fortified food to their diet?

• A. Rajesh, a vegetarian who eats cereal fortified with beta-carotene.
• B. Brian, who is lactose intolerant and drinks orange juice fortified with vitamin D.
• C. Chris, who eats a healthy balanced diet and eats yogurt fortified with vitamin B₁₂.
• D. Nikki, an athlete who eats a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet but likes pasta fortified with several B vitamins.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of fortified foods: Fortified foods are those that have nutrients added to them that are not naturally present or are present in small amounts. These foods are designed to help individuals meet their nutritional needs, especially if they have dietary restrictions or deficiencies.
2. Identify the key nutritional needs of each individual: For example, Rajesh is a vegetarian, so he may benefit from beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) if his diet lacks sufficient sources of vitamin A. Brian is lactose intolerant, so he may lack vitamin D and calcium if he avoids dairy. Chris and Nikki already consume balanced diets, so their need for fortified foods may be less critical.
3. Evaluate the role of the fortified nutrient in each case: Beta-carotene in cereal can help vegetarians like Rajesh meet vitamin A needs. Vitamin D in fortified orange juice can help individuals like Brian, who avoid dairy, maintain bone health. Vitamin B12 in yogurt may not be as critical for Chris if his diet is already balanced. Similarly, Nikki's nutrient-dense diet may already provide sufficient B vitamins, making the fortified pasta less impactful.
4. Consider the likelihood of deficiency: People with dietary restrictions (e.g., lactose intolerance or vegetarianism) are more likely to benefit from fortified foods because they may lack specific nutrients in their regular diet. In contrast, individuals with well-rounded diets are less likely to have deficiencies that require fortified foods.
5. Conclude based on the analysis: Brian, who is lactose intolerant and drinks orange juice fortified with vitamin D, is the most likely to benefit from fortified foods because his dietary restriction makes it harder for him to obtain vitamin D from natural sources like dairy.