Question

gabe was experiencing extreme fatigue, despite sleeping eight hours per night. he went to his healthcare provider for testing and was diagnosed with iron - deficiency anemia. the registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) working with gabe recommended he eat iron - fortified breakfast cereals. which food would be the best accompaniment for his iron - fortified breakfast cereal and why?
multiple choice
he should have a cup of milk on his iron - fortified breakfast cereal because vitamin d in the milk increases iron absorption.
he should have a cup of orange juice or an orange with the iron - fortified breakfast cereal because vitamin c in the orange increases iron absorption.
he should have an egg with the iron - fortified breakfast cereal because biotin in the egg protein increases iron absorption.
he should have a banana on his iron - fortified breakfast cereal because potassium in the banana increases iron absorption.

Explanation:

To determine the best accompaniment, we analyze the role of nutrients in iron absorption. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known to enhance the absorption of non - heme iron (the type of iron in fortified cereals). Orange juice or an orange is a rich source of vitamin C. Milk contains calcium which can inhibit iron absorption, biotin in eggs and potassium in bananas do not have a significant role in increasing iron absorption. So the option about orange juice/orange is correct as vitamin C in it increases iron absorption.

Answer:

He should have a cup of orange juice or an orange with the iron - fortified breakfast cereal because vitamin C in the orange increases iron absorption.