Question

jane has just reached puberty and is concerned about consuming enough iron to meet her body's needs. she learned in her nutrition class that there are 2 forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme. in which of the following foods is the iron in the most available form for absorption?question 13 options:raisins, tofu and spinachmeat, fish and poultrylentils, beans and peas100% iron fortified foods

Answer 1

The most bioavailable form of dietary iron for absorption is heme iron, which is found predominantly in meat, fish, and poultry. Eating these along with vitamin C-rich foods will enhance iron absorption, meeting the higher requirements for girls during puberty.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jane, who has recently reached puberty, is concerned about her iron intake. It is crucial for her to know that there are two forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme iron. Heme iron, found in meat, fish, and poultry, is more readily absorbed by the body compared to nonheme iron, which is found in plant-based foods like tofu and spinach. For example, iron-fortified foods, often designed to combat iron deficiency, include iron that has been added in a form the body can absorb efficiently. Having foods rich in vitamin C can further improve the absorption of iron.

Consequently, eating meat, fish, and poultry would provide Jane with iron in the most bioavailable form. It is worth noting that girls her age generally need higher amounts of iron—15 mg daily—to meet their nutritional requirements, especially since iron supports critical functions such as the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.