Which statement about enhancing iron absorption is correct?

• A. Take the iron supplement first thing in the morning to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
• B. Drink a glass of milk along with your iron supplement.
• C. If tolerated, take the iron supplement on an empty stomach.
• D. Increase your intake of citrus fruits and juices.

Answer: (D)

Enhancing iron absorption hinges on making non-heme iron more soluble and easier to take up by the gut. Vitamin C from citrus fruits and juices does this by reducing ferric iron to the more absorbable ferrous form and forming a soluble iron–ascorbate complex. That soluble complex remains available for absorption in the small intestine, so increasing citrus intake around iron intake reliably boosts how much iron the body can absorb.

Drinking milk with an iron supplement isn't ideal because calcium can compete with iron for absorption and may form less soluble complexes, lowering uptake. Taking iron on an empty stomach can improve absorption for some people, but it often causes gastrointestinal discomfort, making it less reliable as a universal approach. So, using citrus to enhance absorption is the most consistent and practical option.