Vitamin C Consumption Increases Iron Absorption

Anemia and iron deficiency resulting from anemia cause irreversible effects, particularly on the mental development of children. Experts noting that vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron from food emphasize the importance of fruit juice consumption. Anemia, which emerges with a reduction in blood—the source of life—and the associated iron deficiency reduce quality of life. Experts stating that iron deficiency plays an important role particularly on the mental development of children underscore that fruit juice must be consumed to increase the absorption of iron from food sources. "Anemia is defined as a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This leads to iron deficiency," said Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty of Health Sciences, noting that iron insufficiency generally occurs during childhood and adolescence when growth is very rapid, as well as during pregnancy.

Fruit Juice as a Remedy for Anemia

"In the world, one in every five men, one in every three women, one in every two pregnant women, and one in every five children experience anemia. However, unfortunately, many are not aware of their condition," said İnanç, continuing: "In developed countries, the frequency of anemia in children aged 0-5 years is between 4 and 20 percent, while in less developed countries the same age group sees this rate reach up to 80 percent. In our country, this rate is a considerably high value of around 50 percent." Noting that iron is found in both animal and plant-based foods, Prof. İnanç stated, "However, not all iron in food can be absorbed by the body. For the iron we consume to be beneficial, we must consume it together with foods containing vitamin C. For example, 500 milligrams of vitamin C consumed with a meal increases iron absorption by 6 times. For this reason, fruit juices are a good source for increasing vitamin intake. In particular, fruit juices such as orange juice, pineapple juice and grapefruit juice containing vitamin C, when consumed together with a meal high in protein and iron, increase iron absorption. To protect against anemia and to be able to treat anemia more effectively and quickly once it develops, attention should be paid to fruit juice consumption, which is a source of vitamins, in every age group," he said.