Question

Which vitamin enhances the absorption of iron?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin K

Hint:

Dietary iron is absorbed best in its reduced ferrous (Fe 2+ ) form. A reducing agent in the gut therefore improves how much iron the body can take in.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Dietary iron is absorbed best in its reduced ferrous (Fe²⁺) form. A reducing agent in the gut therefore improves how much iron the body can take in.

Step 1: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a strong reducing agent. It converts dietary ferric iron (Fe³⁺) into the more soluble and better-absorbed ferrous iron (Fe²⁺).

Step 2: That is why iron supplements are often taken with vitamin C or citrus juice to boost absorption, especially in iron-deficiency anaemia.

Why the others are wrong: Vitamin A supports vision and epithelial health, vitamin D handles calcium and phosphate, and vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. None of these reduce iron the way vitamin C does.

Answer: Option (3) — Vitamin C.