A nurse is teaching a client who plans to begin following vegan dietary guidelines. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Rationale: A. Nuts and legumes are important protein sources in a vegan diet because all animal products are excluded. Limiting these foods would increase the risk of protein deficiency and inadequate calorie intake. They are essential for meeting protein, fiber, and healthy fat needs. B. High-fat cheese is an animal-derived product and is not included in a vegan diet. Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and meat. Plant-based protein alternatives such as tofu, beans, lentils, and fortified plant-based substitutes are appropriate instead. C. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, so individuals following a vegan diet are at high risk for deficiency. Nurses should encourage consumption of B12-fortified foods (such as plant-based milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast) or supplements to prevent complications like megaloblastic anemia and neurological impairment. D. Vitamin C is beneficial in a vegan diet because it enhances iron absorption from plant-based (non-heme) iron sources. There is no need to limit vitamin C intake; in fact, it should be encouraged to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.