Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to improve iron absorption as follows:
- Vitamin C and citric acid can establish the acidic environment in the intestine needed for iron absorption. Intake of vitamin C and citrus fruits or juice, such as, orange juice at the same time with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can help improved absorption of iron.
- Avoid taking zinc supplements along with foods containing iron and iron supplements. Zinc competes with iron for the same site for absorption and so, taken at the same time, zinc compromises absorption of iron. Avoiding intake of zinc supplements at the same time with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can help improved absorption of iron. Observing a gap of 2 hours between consuming food items rich in iron and zinc supplements can help prevent this interaction.
- Many nuts, black tea, dark chocolate, beans, soy products, and berry fruits contain compounds (polyphenols) that limits absorption of iron. Avoiding intake of these food items on the same meal with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can help improved absorption of iron.
