Vitamin C enhances intestinal absorption of which mineral?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Iron (especially non-heme iron)
• D. Zinc

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of Vitamin C in nutrition, particularly its effect on mineral absorption in the intestines.
2. Recall that Vitamin C is known to enhance the absorption of certain minerals by reducing them to a more absorbable form or by forming complexes that are easier to absorb.
3. Identify the mineral whose absorption is notably increased by Vitamin C; this is especially important for non-heme iron, which is the form of iron found in plant-based foods and is less readily absorbed than heme iron from animal sources.
4. Recognize that Vitamin C reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is more soluble and better absorbed in the intestinal tract.
5. Conclude that among the options given (Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc), Vitamin C specifically enhances the absorption of Iron, particularly non-heme iron.