Which scenario is a risk factor for iron deficiency due to absorption issues?

Which scenario is a risk factor for iron deficiency due to absorption issues?

• A. Iron not being absorbed after abdominal surgery or malabsorption syndrome
• B. Diets high in iron
• C. Regular blood donation
• D. Vitamin C supplementation

Answer: (A)

Iron deficiency from absorption issues happens when the gut can’t take up iron effectively. Iron is absorbed mainly in the duodenum and proximal small intestine, and this process depends on a healthy mucosa and a suitable environment. When the gut’s absorptive surface is reduced or damaged—such as after abdominal surgery that bypasses parts of the intestine or in a malabsorption syndrome—the iron isn’t absorbed well, leading to deficiency even if dietary intake is adequate. That’s why this scenario is a risk factor tied to impaired absorption. The other ideas don’t reflect impaired absorption: a diet with plenty of iron provides more iron to absorb; regular blood donation lowers iron stores through loss rather than a failure to absorb; and vitamin C actually helps iron absorption, reducing the risk of deficiency rather than promoting it.

Iron deficiency from absorption issues happens when the gut can’t take up iron effectively. Iron is absorbed mainly in the duodenum and proximal small intestine, and this process depends on a healthy mucosa and a suitable environment. When the gut’s absorptive surface is reduced or damaged—such as after abdominal surgery that bypasses parts of the intestine or in a malabsorption syndrome—the iron isn’t absorbed well, leading to deficiency even if dietary intake is adequate. That’s why this scenario is a risk factor tied to impaired absorption.

The other ideas don’t reflect impaired absorption: a diet with plenty of iron provides more iron to absorb; regular blood donation lowers iron stores through loss rather than a failure to absorb; and vitamin C actually helps iron absorption, reducing the risk of deficiency rather than promoting it.