Question

When trying to consume adequate dietary iron, it is helpful to:"

a) Eat non-heme iron found only in plants because it is absorbed more efficiently
b) Consider adding supplements because they are better absorbed than iron in foods
c) Combine vitamin C-rich foods with non-heme iron sources to increase absorption
d) Avoid combining heme-iron foods with non-heme-iron foods in the same meal

Answer 1

It is not advised to avoid combining heme-iron foods with non-heme-iron foods to increase dietary iron consumption. Vitamin C can help with the absorption of non-heme iron, and iron-fortified foods provide additional sources of this mineral.

Step-by-step explanation:

When trying to consume adequate dietary iron, it is not helpful to avoid combining heme-iron foods with non-heme-iron foods. In fact, doing so might be counterproductive. Heme iron, which is found in animal foods like meat, poultry, and fish, is absorbed more efficiently by our bodies than non-heme iron from plant sources.

To enhance iron absorption, it is recommended to pair non-heme iron foods with a source of vitamin C or heme iron sources. Vitamin C helps convert non-heme iron into a form that is more easily absorbed. Some foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread, are fortified with iron, often in the form of 'reduced iron', which is metallic iron that is oxidized to Fe2+ in the digestive system. This fortification helps ensure that we receive enough iron, particularly in the case of dietary restrictions or preferences that might limit the intake of heme iron sources.