Question

We discussed several ways for someone who was anemic to increase his or her absorption of iron. Name any one of these.

1) Increase intake of vitamin C
2) Avoid consuming dairy products
3) Take iron supplements
4) Eat foods rich in iron

Answer 1

An effective method to enhance iron absorption for someone with anemia is to increase the intake of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron more efficiently. Foods high in vitamin C or a vitamin C supplement can be integrated with iron-rich foods to help combat anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

To combat iron deficiency anemia, one recommended approach is to increase the intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C significantly improves the absorption of iron from the intestine, especially when consumed along with iron-rich foods. This is particularly beneficial since the average absorption rate of iron in our diet is less than 20%, and vitamin C can enhance this absorption. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, melons, and green vegetables. For individuals experiencing anemia, incorporating these foods or a vitamin C supplement can be a practical measure to improve their iron levels.

Additionally, it's important to know that heme iron, found in animal foods like meat and poultry, is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron from plant-based sources. However, for vegetarians or those preferring plant-based diets, increasing the intake of iron-rich vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, along with vitamin C, can help mitigate the iron absorption challenges presented by plant foods.