Ascorbic acid is a potent enhancer of iron absorption because it:: (A) Enhances the absorption of heme iron, (B) Enhances the activity of heme oxygenase, (C) Is a reducing agent, thereby helping to keep iron in the ferrous state, (D) Decreases the production of ferritin by enterocytes
Answer is C. Ans. C. Is a reducing agent, thereby helping to keep iron in the ferrous stateAscorbic acid enhances iron absorption mostly by its reducing capacity, keeping iron in the ferrous state. Ascorbic acid does not enhance heme iron absorption, nor does it affect heme oxygenase activity or the production of ferritin or transferrin.