Which statement about heme vs nonheme iron is true?

• A. Heme iron from animal products is absorbed more efficiently than nonheme iron.
• B. Nonheme iron is absorbed more efficiently than heme iron.
• C. Heme iron is found in plants.
• D. Nonheme iron is not affected by absorption inhibitors.

Answer: (A)

Heme iron from animal products is absorbed more efficiently than nonheme iron. The body has a dedicated pathway that takes up heme iron intact in the gut, so its absorption tends to be higher and more consistent. Nonheme iron—the form found in plants (and the non-heme portion of animal foods)—must be reduced to Fe2+ and transported into intestinal cells, a process that is highly variable and strongly influenced by other dietary factors. Inhibitors like phytates, polyphenols, calcium, and some fibers can reduce nonheme iron absorption, while enhancers such as vitamin C can boost it, especially when eaten with iron-rich plant foods.

So, the statement is true because heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than nonheme iron. The other options don’t fit: nonheme iron isn’t absorbed as efficiently as heme iron, heme iron isn’t found in plants, and nonheme iron is indeed affected by absorption inhibitors.