A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has iron deficiency anemia. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A.
Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can decrease absorption.
B.
Cooking in a stainless steel skillet increases the amount of iron in the food.
C.
Drinking iced tea with meals can increase the amount of iron absorbed.
D.
Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Cooking in a stainless steel skillet increases the amount of iron in the food.
Explanation
Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition where there is a lack of sufficient iron in the body to produce hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Managing and treating iron deficiency involves a combination of dietary changes, iron supplementation, and understanding how various factors can affect iron absorption and availability.
A. Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can decrease absorption – This statement is incorrect. In fact, drinking orange juice with iron supplements can actually increase iron absorption. Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods and supplements). Therefore, combining iron supplements with a vitamin C source is a recommended practice for improving iron absorption.
B. Cooking in a stainless steel skillet increases the amount of iron in the food – This statement is correct. Cooking in a stainless steel skillet can indeed increase the amount of iron in the food. Stainless steel cookware can release small amounts of iron into the food during cooking, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with iron deficiency. This effect is relatively modest but can contribute to overall iron intake.
C. Drinking iced tea with meals can increase the amount of iron absorbed – This statement is incorrect. Drinking iced tea (or any tea) with meals can actually decrease iron absorption. Tea contains compounds called tannins, which can bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. It is generally advised to avoid drinking tea during meals or shortly after consuming iron-rich foods.
D. Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron – This statement is partially correct. Fish and poultry do contain heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources. However, the term “primary sources” might be misleading, as red meats (like beef and lamb) are often considered more significant sources of heme iron. Nevertheless, fish and poultry are good sources and contribute to dietary iron intake.
In summary, for improving iron levels, cooking with stainless steel cookware can slightly enhance iron intake, while strategies like consuming vitamin C with iron supplements and avoiding tea with meals are crucial for better iron absorption.