Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has anemia and a new prescription for an iron supplement. The nurse should recommend the client consume the supplement with which of the following beverages to increase absorption?

a.Protein shake
b.Skim milk
c.Tomato juice
d.Green tea

Answer 1

The correct option is c.

The client should consume the iron supplement with tomato juice. Tomato juice's vitamin C content effectively increases iron absorption, optimizing the benefits of the supplement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should recommend that the client consume the iron supplement with tomato juice to increase absorption. Tomato juice contains vitamin C, which is known to enhance the absorption of iron.

Consuming iron supplements with vitamin C-rich foods or beverages optimizes the body's uptake of the mineral.

While protein can enhance iron absorption due to the formation of soluble chelates, in the selection provided tomato juice stands out as it would increase the non-heme iron absorption due to the presence of vitamin C.

Additionally, substances such as calcium in milk or certain compounds in tea, particularly green tea, might inhibit iron absorption, making them less ideal choices in combination with iron supplements.