A vitamin which helps in iron absorption is:

Appeared in: RML MAINS 2025

Explanation

Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, which is the form of iron found in plant-based foods.
It functions as a potent reducing agent in the gut, converting ferric iron (Fe³⁺) to the more soluble and absorbable ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) state.
This chemical reduction is the primary mechanism by which Vitamin C facilitates iron uptake by the intestinal cells.

Option B: Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is primarily involved as a coenzyme (thiamine pyrophosphate) in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. It does not have a direct role in the absorption of iron.
Option C: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a precursor for coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are essential for oxidation-reduction reactions in energy metabolism. It is not directly involved in enhancing iron absorption.
Option D: Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a key component of Coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for the metabolism of fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It does not play a role in iron absorption.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Role of vitamins in mineral absorption as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently educate patients with iron-deficiency anemia to take their iron supplements with a glass of orange juice or a Vitamin C tablet to maximize absorption and treatment efficacy.
This advice is especially critical for vegetarians and vegans, as their diets consist solely of non-heme iron, which is less bioavailable than the heme iron found in meat.
What if? If a patient has a condition of iron overload, such as hemochromatosis, they would be advised to avoid taking Vitamin C with meals to limit further iron absorption and prevent organ damage.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of vitamin functions.
First, identify the key process in the question: 'iron absorption'.
Next, systematically review the function of each vitamin listed in the options.
Recall that Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Pantothenic acid (B5) are B-complex vitamins primarily involved in energy metabolism.
Remember that Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has a well-known, specific role in enhancing the absorption of non-heme iron by acting as a reducing agent.
Select the option that directly matches the physiological process mentioned in the stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 111-113

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 154-156

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 362-364

Practise the full RML MAINS 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.