Final answer:
Use food labels to check the percent daily values (% DV) for iron and choose foods that are high in iron or iron-fortified. The DRIs provide age- and gender-specific recommendations for daily iron intake. Consuming vitamin C with iron-rich foods increases absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how to use food labels and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) to ensure adequate iron intake. Boys and girls aged 9 to 13 require 9 mg of iron daily, girls 14-18 require 15 mg, boys 14-18 require 11 mg, and pregnant women need 27 mg. Food labels and the percent daily values (% DV) help identify the amount of iron in foods. Iron-fortified foods like breakfast cereals contain added iron, often as 'reduced iron' or fine metallic iron powder, which is converted to Fe²+ in the body. Consuming vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods enhances iron absorption. It's important to note that while some protein sources are high in iron, they can also be high in fat.