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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 65-year-old gentleman presents to his primary care physician for difficulties with his gait and recent fatigue. The patient works in a health food store, follows a strict vegan diet, and takes an array of supplements. He noticed that his symptoms have progressed over the past year and decided to see a physician when he found himself feeling abnormally weak on a daily basis in conjunction with his trouble walking. The patient has a past medical history of Crohn's disease, diagnosed in his early 20's, as well as Celiac disease. He states that he has infrequent exacerbations of his Crohn's disease. Recently, the patient has been having worsening bouts of diarrhea that the patient claims is non-bloody. The patient is not currently taking any medications and is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine supplements. Physical exam is notable for 3/5 strength in the upper and lower extremities, absent upper and lower extremity reflexes, and a staggering, unbalanced gait. Laboratory values reveal the following:

Serum:
Na+: 135 mEq/L
Cl-: 100 mEq/L
K+: 5.6 mEq/L
HCO3-: 22 mEq/L
BUN: 27 mg/dL
Glucose: 79 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.1 mg/dL
Ca2+: 8.4 mg/dL
Mg2+: 1.5 mEq/L

Leukocyte count and differential:
Leukocyte count: 4,522/mm^3
Hemoglobin: 9.2 g/dL
Hematocrit: 29%
Platelet count: 169,000/mm^3
Reticulocyte count: 2.5%
Lactate dehydrogenase: 340 U/L
Mean corpuscular volume: 97 fL

Which of the following is most likely deficient in this patient?
assistant
Vitamin E