Which form of dietary iron is most easily absorbed by the human gut?
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Correct answer: Heme iron, found in animal proteins
Heme iron, found in meat, poultry, and fish, is absorbed much more efficiently (about 15-35%) than non-heme iron found in plants. Non-heme iron absorption is often inhibited by phytates, tannins, and calcium.
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More Iron Deficiency Anemia questions
- Which of the following would you expect to see on a bone marrow biopsy stained with Prussian Blue in a patient with iron deficiency anemia?
- Which enzyme's activity is directly impaired by a lack of iron, contributing to the symptoms of iron deficiency beyond just anemia?
- Free Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (FEP) levels increase in iron deficiency anemia because:
- A patient with iron deficiency anemia is started on oral ferrous sulfate. Which of the following is the first sign of an effective response…
- Which of the following decreases the absorption of non-heme iron in the diet?
- The 'Mentzer Index' (MCV/RBC count) is used to differentiate between iron deficiency and which other condition?