Holistic Nutritionist Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Many vegans do not consume animal products, which are the primary sources of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), two essential omega-3 fatty acids critical for various bodily functions, including brain health and inflammation regulation. Since option C suggests that vegans obtain all of their EPA and DHA from the foods they eat, it contradicts the reality of a vegan diet.

In practice, vegans often rely on plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds, which primarily provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, but the conversion rate is quite low and varies among individuals. Therefore, while vegans can obtain omega-3s from their diet, they typically do not get sufficient EPA and DHA from plant sources alone without supplementation or fortified foods.

The correct answer indicates that vegans often need to supplement their diet with algae-based EPA/DHA supplements to ensure adequate intake of these important fatty acids since conventional dietary sources are not available to them.