Foods of animal origin are the only source of which of the following?

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is the only vitamin in the options that is naturally found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods.
It is synthesized by microorganisms in the gut of animals, which is why it accumulates in their tissues and products like meat, milk, and eggs.
Plants do not synthesize or store Vitamin B12, making animal products the primary dietary source for humans.
This exclusivity is the key differentiator from other B vitamins, which are found in a variety of plant and animal sources.

Option A: Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is abundant in plant-based foods, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach, as well as legumes, fruits, and fortified grains.
Option B: Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is widespread in nature and found in virtually all plant and animal foods, including meats, vegetables, and whole grains. Its name comes from the Greek word 'pantos', meaning 'everywhere'.
Option D: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is found in a wide variety of foods, including both animal sources (like meat and poultry) and plant sources (like whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and bananas).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional sources of B-complex vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is dietary assessment, especially for at-risk populations. Identifying patients on strict vegan or vegetarian diets is crucial for preventing B12 deficiency.
Patients with malabsorption syndromes (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease) or who have had gastric surgery may not absorb B12 effectively, even if their dietary intake is adequate, and may require parenteral (injected) B12.
What if? If a patient presents with megaloblastic anemia, it is critical to determine if the cause is folate or B12 deficiency. Treating a B12 deficiency with only folic acid can correct the anemia but will not stop the progression of irreversible neurological damage.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question's core requirement: identify the vitamin that comes only from 'animal origin'. The word 'only' is the most important keyword.
Next, review the options provided: Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6.
Recall the primary food sources for each of these B vitamins.
Folic acid is famously found in leafy greens. Eliminate this option.
Pantothenic acid is known to be widespread in many food types. Eliminate this option.
Vitamin B6 is also found in both plant and animal sources. Eliminate this option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 196-198

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Practise the full NVS- 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.