Foods containing ascorbic acid promote iron absorption, while compounds like phenols, found in soft drinks, teas, and coffee, hinder it.

Most of the iron element in the human body, in percentage terms, is found inside red blood cells, being part of the hemoglobin molecule and playing an important role in transporting oxygen to all cells of the body.

Bleeding is the main cause of iron-deficiency anemia, which is why serial blood transfusions are preferably done, especially in women, after menstruation.

The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia and it may be accompanied by a deficiency of other elements, such as folic acid and vitamin B12.

In Brazil, fortification of wheat and corn flour with iron and folic acid is mandatory as a preventive measure against iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron is a salt classified as a trace mineral, as it is used by organisms in small daily amounts, but its lack in intake can cause harm to the body. Regarding the biological role of this chemical element, mark the incorrect alternative.

Biology

The incorrect alternative is the one that states that bleeding is the main cause of iron-deficiency anemia and that the preferred treatment is blood transfusion. In fact, iron-deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet or poor absorption of this mineral, and the treatment consists of iron supplementation and dietary adjustments. The other alternatives are correct: iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen in the blood, iron-deficiency anemia is the most common and may be associated with a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12, vitamin C promotes iron absorption, and fortification of foods with iron and folic acid is a preventive measure in Brazil.

Question about Biochemistry: Vitamins and Minerals

Subject Biology

Biology

Source IFMT

IFMT

Topic Biochemistry: Vitamins and Minerals

Biochemistry: Vitamins and Minerals

Difficulty Medium

Medium

(IFMT 2012) - Question Medium of Biology