CSSD Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Vegetarian diets can sometimes lack certain nutrients that are more commonly found in animal products, leading to specific deficiencies. Iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are significant concerns for individuals following a vegetarian lifestyle.

Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells, and while it can be found in plant sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, these sources contain non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron from animal sources. This can lead to a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia in vegetarians if they are not careful to include adequate amounts and to pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption.

Zinc plays a vital role in immune function and metabolism, and its absorption can also be inhibited by phytates found in whole grains and legumes. While vegetarians can obtain zinc from nuts, seeds, and whole grains, ensuring sufficient intake can be challenging without careful meal planning.

Omega-3 fatty acids, important for heart and brain health, are predominantly found in fatty fish and fish oil. Plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), but the conversion efficiency to EPA and DHA (the forms found