Deficiency of which micronutrient is especially common among young children and can be avoided by the consumption of lean meats, poultry, & fortified grains?

• A. Vitamin D.
• B. Calcium.
• C. Zinc.
• D. Iron.
• E. Vitamin A.
• F. Vitamin C.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of each micronutrient listed and their common sources in the diet. For example, Vitamin D is often obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified dairy products, Calcium is abundant in dairy, Zinc is found in meat and legumes, Iron is commonly found in lean meats, poultry, and fortified grains, Vitamin A is found in colorful vegetables and animal products, and Vitamin C is abundant in fruits and vegetables.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the question asks which micronutrient deficiency is especially common among young children and can be prevented by consuming lean meats, poultry, and fortified grains. This points towards a nutrient that is both commonly deficient in children and present in those food sources.
3. Step 3: Recall that Iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, especially in young children, and that lean meats, poultry, and fortified grains are excellent sources of bioavailable iron.
4. Step 4: Eliminate other options based on their typical sources and deficiency patterns. For example, Vitamin D deficiency is linked to lack of sunlight, Calcium deficiency relates more to dairy intake, and Vitamin C deficiency is rare with a balanced diet including fruits.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Iron is the micronutrient whose deficiency is especially common among young children and can be avoided by consuming lean meats, poultry, and fortified grains.