Question

macy has been feeling exceptionally sluggish and fatigued, so her friend suggested that she have her iron levels checked. macys healthcare provider recommends a number of tips to help increase iron absorption. which of the following can help enhance iron absorption in the body?
check all that apply
consume vitamin c - rich foods along with iron - containing food
eat high - fiber foods rich in phytic acid
drink teas high in tannins
eat heme and nonheme iron foods together
soak beans before cooking and eating

Explanation:

1. Consume vitamin C - rich foods along with iron - containing food: Vitamin C is known to enhance the absorption of non - heme iron (the type of iron found in plant - based foods). So this option is correct.
2. Eat high - fiber foods rich in phytic acid: Phytic acid is a compound that binds to iron and reduces its absorption. So this option is incorrect.
3. Drink teas high in tannins: Tannins also bind to iron and decrease its absorption. So this option is incorrect.
4. Eat heme and nonheme iron foods together: Heme iron (from animal sources) is more easily absorbed, and when eaten with non - heme iron (from plant sources), it can enhance the absorption of non - heme iron. So this option is correct.
5. Soak beans before cooking and eating: Soaking beans can reduce the amount of phytic acid (which inhibits iron absorption) in them, thus potentially enhancing iron absorption from the beans. So this option is correct.

Answer:

• Consume vitamin C - rich foods along with iron - containing food
• Eat heme and nonheme iron foods together
• Soak beans before cooking and eating