Which factor enhances the absorption of non-heme iron?

Which factor enhances the absorption of non-heme iron?

• A. Calcium
• B. Phytates
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin A

Answer: (C)

Non-heme iron is absorbed best when it’s kept soluble and in the right oxidation state. Vitamin C does two crucial things: it reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), the form that the intestinal transporter uses, and it forms a soluble iron-ascorbate complex that stays dissolved in the gut. This combination greatly enhances uptake, even in the presence of other dietary inhibitors like phytates. Calcium and phytates tend to hinder non-heme iron absorption, while vitamin A supports iron metabolism more broadly rather than directly boosting intestinal uptake. So the factor that most directly and reliably improves non-heme iron absorption is vitamin C.

Non-heme iron is absorbed best when it’s kept soluble and in the right oxidation state. Vitamin C does two crucial things: it reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), the form that the intestinal transporter uses, and it forms a soluble iron-ascorbate complex that stays dissolved in the gut. This combination greatly enhances uptake, even in the presence of other dietary inhibitors like phytates. Calcium and phytates tend to hinder non-heme iron absorption, while vitamin A supports iron metabolism more broadly rather than directly boosting intestinal uptake. So the factor that most directly and reliably improves non-heme iron absorption is vitamin C.