Tag: non-heme iron sources

Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport, cellular function, and overall energy metabolism. However, not all iron consumed through diet or supplementation is efficiently absorbed by the body. The form of iron, dietary inhibitors, and the body's current iron levels all influence how much iron is taken up by the intestines and utilized. This is where vitamin C plays a critical role in enhancing iron absorption. By chemically converting non-heme iron—the type found in plant-based sources—into a more soluble form, vitamin C facilitates its uptake into the bloodstream. This process significantly improves bioavailability, making iron supplementation more effective.