North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What vitamins help iron absorption?

1. Vitamin C and Vitamin E

2. Vitamin A and Vitamin D

3. Vitamin A and Vitamin B complex

4. Vitamin K and Calcium

The correct answer is: Vitamin A and Vitamin B complex

The correct answer highlights the role of specific vitamins in enhancing iron absorption. While Vitamin C is well-known for its ability to increase the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods), the incorrect choice connects the essential role of other vitamins without emphasizing this key factor. Vitamin A is important for various physiological processes, including the improvement of iron metabolism and transport. It aids in mobilizing iron from storage in the liver, thereby facilitating its availability for absorption. The B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, play vital roles in red blood cell formation and overall metabolic processes involving iron, but they do not directly enhance iron absorption in the same way Vitamin C does. In contrast, the other options listed do not include a strong correlation to iron absorption. Vitamins E and D, while having essential roles in different bodily functions, do not significantly influence iron absorption. Furthermore, calcium, while it is a crucial mineral for bone health, can actually inhibit the absorption of iron when taken in high quantities, making its inclusion in this context inappropriate. Thus, while the selection of Vitamin A and B complex isn’t entirely incorrect depending on context, it misses the pivotal factor of Vitamin C for iron absorption. The focus should always be on Vitamin C