Who is most likely to develop a deficiency in multiple B vitamins?

• A. Ed, who follows an "all-natural" diet consisting only of raw fruits & vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, & rice.
• B. Trina, who eats a mostly well-balanced diet but sometimes snacks on candy & processed junk food.
• C. Oliver, an extremely picky eater who mostly just eats plain pasta, chicken nuggets, carrots, & soda.
• D. Devin, who is a vegan but diversifies his diet, eating plenty of nuts, seeds, whole grains, & leafy greens.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of B vitamins in the body. B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and maintaining healthy skin and brain function. They are found in a variety of foods, including whole grains, meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fortified products.
2. Step 2: Analyze the dietary patterns of each individual. Consider the variety and nutrient density of their food choices, as well as any potential gaps in their intake of B vitamins.
3. Step 3: Evaluate Ed's diet. While Ed consumes a variety of foods, his 'all-natural' diet may lack fortified products, which are often a significant source of B vitamins, especially B12. However, his intake of meat, dairy, and seafood likely provides sufficient B vitamins.
4. Step 4: Assess Trina's diet. Despite occasional consumption of candy and processed junk food, her mostly well-balanced diet likely provides adequate B vitamins from diverse sources.
5. Step 5: Examine Oliver's diet. Oliver's extremely limited food choices (plain pasta, chicken nuggets, carrots, and soda) lack diversity and nutrient density, making him the most likely to develop a deficiency in multiple B vitamins, as these foods do not provide sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients.