A nurse is planning a diet for a client who has an iron deficiency. To increase the client’s iron intake, which of the following foods should the nurse provide in the client’s diet?
A.
Yogurt
B.
Oranges
C.
Turnips
D.
Roast beef
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Roast beef.
Iron deficiency is a common nutritional issue that can lead to anemia and fatigue. To effectively address this deficiency, it’s essential to include foods high in iron in the diet. Iron exists in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron, found in animal products, is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron, which is found in plant sources.
Roast beef is an excellent source of heme iron. A 3-ounce serving of beef can provide about 2 to 3 milligrams of heme iron, which significantly contributes to the recommended daily intake. The body absorbs heme iron at a rate of approximately 15-35%, depending on the individual’s needs and dietary context.
In contrast, the other options listed do not provide significant amounts of iron:
- A. Yogurt: While yogurt is a nutritious food containing calcium and protein, it is low in iron. Dairy products can also inhibit iron absorption if consumed in large quantities alongside iron-rich foods due to their calcium content.
- B. Oranges: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources, but they do not contain significant amounts of iron themselves. They are beneficial to include in a diet aimed at improving iron levels, but they are not direct sources of iron.
- C. Turnips: Turnips are a healthy vegetable, but they also contain very little iron compared to meat. They provide non-heme iron, which is not as efficiently absorbed by the body.
To increase a client’s iron intake effectively, incorporating heme iron sources such as roast beef is crucial. Additionally, pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods can further enhance iron absorption, making it a comprehensive approach to addressing iron deficiency.