You analyze a client's 7-day food log and find consistent intakes below the RDA for several B-vitamins but no clinical deficiency signs. Which analytical approach best informs whether to recommend supplementation?

• A. Assess the magnitude and consistency of the shortfall relative to RDA, consider risk factors (e.g., age, pregnancy, restrictive diet, medication, absorption issues), evaluate possible food-based interventions first, and recommend targeted supplementation if dietary changes are impractical or if risk factors indicate probable deficiency; involve a healthcare professional for lab testing when indicated.
• B. Ignore the food log entirely because laboratory symptoms are the only valid evidence of deficiency; never consider supplementation until clinically obvious signs appear.
• C. Immediately recommend high-dose multivitamin therapy without considering dietary adjustments, risk factors, or potential for lab confirmation because food logs are inherently unreliable and supplements are always the simplest solution.
• D. Advise the client to attempt extreme fasting to reset nutrient status and thereby eliminate the need for any supplementation or dietary planning in the future.

Answer: (A)