Iron absorption and Vitamins

Q: Which of the vitamins may enhance the absorption of iron? - select one

A) Vitamin A

B) Vitamin B

C) Vitamin C 

D) Vitamin D

E) Vitamin E

Answer: Vitamin C 

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may enhance absorption of iron from both dietary and supplementary sources. Absorption of fruits and vegetables and/or a Vitamin C supplement can be used as a strategy in patients who do not respond appropriately to iron intake. This inappropriate iron absorption is common in patients who consume large amounts of tea and/or calcium/phosphate supplements. In such cases, Vitamin C is a good way to reverse these inhibitions.

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References:

1. Skolmowska D, Głąbska D. Effectiveness of Dietary Intervention with Iron and Vitamin C Administered Separately in Improving Iron Status in Young Women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 20;19(19):11877. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191911877. PMID: 36231177; PMCID: PMC9564482.

2. Lynch SR, Cook JD. Interaction of vitamin C and iron. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1980;355:32-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1980.tb21325.x. PMID: 6940487.

3. Rhode BM, Shustik C, Christou NV, MacLean LD. Iron absorption and therapy after gastric bypass. Obes Surg 1999; 9:17.