Which food increases iron absorption except?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The question asks for the exception among foods that increase iron absorption, meaning the correct answer is an inhibitor.
Curd is a dairy product rich in calcium.
Dietary calcium is a known inhibitor of iron absorption, as it competes with iron for uptake in the intestines.
Therefore, curd does not increase iron absorption; it decreases it, making it the correct answer.

Option B: Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is a powerful enhancer of non-heme iron absorption.
Option C: The process of sprouting reduces the concentration of phytates, which are inhibitors of iron absorption. By reducing an inhibitor, sprouts effectively enhance iron bioavailability.
Option D: Amla (Indian gooseberry) is an exceptionally rich source of Vitamin C, which strongly promotes the absorption of non-heme iron.

Visual 1: Chart: A two-column chart visually separating common dietary 'Enhancers' (Vitamin C, meat factor) and 'Inhibitors' (Calcium, phytates, tannins) of iron absorption.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Factors influencing dietary iron absorption (enhancers and inhibitors) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients with iron-deficiency anemia to take iron supplements with a source of Vitamin C (like orange juice) and to avoid taking them with dairy products (milk, curd) or beverages like tea and coffee.
This knowledge is vital for managing anemia, especially in populations with predominantly vegetarian diets where non-heme iron is the primary source.
What if the patient has osteoporosis and needs calcium supplements? The nurse should advise the patient to take their iron and calcium supplements at different times of the day (e.g., iron in the morning, calcium in the evening) to maximize the absorption of both minerals.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'except'. This signals that you are looking for the option that is different from the others in its effect.
The question asks which food does NOT increase iron absorption. This means three options will be enhancers, and one will be an inhibitor (or neutral).
Evaluate each option's effect on iron absorption: Recall that Vitamin C enhances absorption, while calcium inhibits it.
Analyze the options: Citrus Fruit and Amla are rich in Vitamin C (enhancers). Sprouts reduce phytates (enhancers). Curd is rich in calcium (inhibitor).
The option that stands out as an inhibitor, Curd, is the correct answer to this 'except' question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Factors influencing dietary iron absorption (enhancers and inhibitors).
Stem keywords: food, iron absorption
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question uses the word 'except', asking for the option that does NOT increase iron absorption.

QNi6z2OMyDze8p14-xhh3i

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

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