Who would likely benefit the most from taking vitamin supplements?

• A. A healthy middle-aged man who eats a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
• B. A pregnant woman who has been advised by her doctor to take folate & iron supplements.
• C. An elite athlete who eats a well-balanced diet but takes some supplements to enhance their performance.
• D. A teenager who sometimes skips breakfast but has a healthy diet overall.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: The problem is asking who would benefit the most from taking vitamin supplements. This requires evaluating the nutritional needs of each individual described in the options.
2. Review the nutritional needs of a pregnant woman: Pregnancy increases the demand for certain nutrients, particularly folate (to prevent neural tube defects) and iron (to support increased blood volume and oxygen transport). If a doctor advises supplementation, it is likely due to these increased needs.
3. Evaluate the healthy middle-aged man: A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet typically provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so supplementation is unlikely to provide significant additional benefits for this individual.
4. Consider the elite athlete: While athletes may have higher energy and nutrient needs, a well-balanced diet can often meet these requirements. Supplements for performance enhancement are not always necessary unless prescribed for specific deficiencies.
5. Assess the teenager: Skipping breakfast occasionally may lead to temporary nutrient gaps, but if the overall diet is healthy, supplementation is not typically required. Therefore, the pregnant woman with a medical recommendation for folate and iron supplements would benefit the most.