Which of the following is NOT a significant dietary source of iron?

Which of the following is NOT a significant dietary source of iron?

• A. Banana
• B. Dried beans
• C. Liver
• D. Oysters

Answer: (A)

Iron in the diet comes in two forms: heme iron from animal foods and non-heme iron from plants. Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron. Dried beans provide non-heme iron, which is useful but can be affected by absorption enhancers or inhibitors in a meal. Liver and oysters are rich sources of heme iron, giving a more readily absorbed iron boost. A banana, however, contains only trace amounts of iron, so it does not contribute meaningfully to daily iron intake. That’s why it isn’t considered a significant dietary iron source. If you’re relying on plant foods for iron, pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods can help improve absorption, while being mindful of inhibitors like phytates, tea, and coffee.

Iron in the diet comes in two forms: heme iron from animal foods and non-heme iron from plants. Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron. Dried beans provide non-heme iron, which is useful but can be affected by absorption enhancers or inhibitors in a meal. Liver and oysters are rich sources of heme iron, giving a more readily absorbed iron boost. A banana, however, contains only trace amounts of iron, so it does not contribute meaningfully to daily iron intake. That’s why it isn’t considered a significant dietary iron source. If you’re relying on plant foods for iron, pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods can help improve absorption, while being mindful of inhibitors like phytates, tea, and coffee.