Question

The more iron is soluble, the better the chances of its absorption.

a.Of the substances you tested, which best enhanced the bioavailability of iron? (ascorbic acid (vitamin C)citrus fruits, potatoes, green vegetablesoxalic acidgreen leafy vegetablestannic acidteacaffeinecoffee, tea, soft drinkshistidineeggs, meat, milk (essential amino acid)lysine hydrochlorideeggs, meat, milk (essential amino acid)methionineeggs, meat, milk (essential amino acid)sodium carbonateantacids, calcium supplementssodium phosphatesoft drinkscitric acidsoft drinks, citrus fruitsfructose)

b.Which substance would hinder the intestinal uptake of iron?

Answer 1

a. Coconsumption of some of the substances affect the chances of absorption of iron in the body. Some of the iron can be easily absorbed by the body but some are not. To increase its efficiency to be absorbed by erythrocytes in the body, ascorbic acid is the best. So, ascorbic acid best enhances the bioavailability of iron. So, citrus fruits should be taken along with iron supplements.

b. The substance which hinder the intestinal uptake of iron is sodium carbonate. The dietery source of sodium carbonate are calcium supplements which competes with iron due to having same valency and size.