Which of the following is the highest source of Iron?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Dark green leafy vegetables are exceptionally rich sources of dietary iron, containing up to 20 mg per 100g, which is significantly higher than the other options.
Foods like spinach (palak), amaranth (cholai), and fenugreek (methi) are excellent for boosting hemoglobin levels.
While pulses contain iron, the concentration is generally lower than in leafy greens.
Milk and potatoes are considered poor sources of iron.

Option A: Milk is a very poor source of iron, containing less than 0.2 mg per 100g. Its primary nutritional value comes from calcium and protein.
Option B: Potatoes are roots/tubers that are rich in carbohydrates but are poor sources of minerals like iron.
Option D: While pulses are a good source of protein and minerals, their iron content (around 3-10 mg/100g) is generally lower than that of dark green leafy vegetables.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Dietary Sources of Iron as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in nutritional counseling for patients with or at risk for iron-deficiency anemia, the most common nutritional disorder worldwide.
Advising patients to consume iron-rich foods with a source of Vitamin C (like lemon juice on spinach or a side of oranges) can significantly improve the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources.
Vulnerable populations for iron deficiency include pregnant women (due to increased blood volume and fetal needs), infants, and menstruating adolescents.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to find the 'highest source' of a specific nutrient, 'Iron'.
Next, evaluate each option based on general nutritional knowledge.
Recall or compare the typical iron content of each food group: Milk (calcium), Potatoes (carbs), Leafy Vegetables (minerals/vitamins), and Pulses (protein/minerals).
Recognize that dark green leafy vegetables are famously rich in minerals, including iron.
Compare this with pulses, which are also a source but generally less concentrated.
Eliminate milk and potatoes as they are known to be poor sources of iron. This leaves leafy vegetables as the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 169-171

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 163-165

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 30-32

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

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