Which vitamins work as antioxidants and improve the absorption of iron when combined with it?

Prepare for the Portage Learning Nutrition Exam. Leverage multiple choice questions, study materials, and in-depth explanations. Ensure success in your nutrition studies!

Vitamins A and E play significant roles as antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to various diseases. Antioxidants are essential for protecting the body's tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation, making these vitamins vital for overall health.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, vitamin C is particularly known for enhancing iron absorption in the body. When iron is consumed, the presence of vitamin C converts iron into a more absorbable form, especially non-heme iron found in plant sources. While vitamin C is not included in the selected pair of vitamins A and E, it is important to note that it is also a powerful antioxidant that improves iron absorption.

Focusing on vitamins A and E, these help maintain health by preventing oxidative damage, but they do not directly improve iron absorption together. Therefore, there may be some misunderstanding regarding the role of these specific vitamins in iron absorption. Nevertheless, vitamins A and E are correct for their role as antioxidants, while vitamin C would be essential for the absorption aspect when combined with iron.

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