Which breakfast option provides the highest iron content for an adolescent with iron-deficiency anemia?

Which breakfast option provides the highest iron content for an adolescent with iron-deficiency anemia?

• A. Apple fruit cup
• B. Bowl of raisin bran
• C. Cup of blueberry yogurt
• D. Slice of wheat bread toast with butter

Answer: (B)

Iron content varies a lot by food, and many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron, giving a much higher iron amount per serving than other common breakfast items. Raisin bran is typically such a fortified cereal, so it delivers more iron than an apple cup, yogurt, or plain toast. The fruit and dairy options provide minimal iron, and the bread option usually has only a small amount unless the flour is specially fortified. If you want to maximize iron intake at breakfast, the fortified cereal is the best choice. Pairing it with a vitamin C–rich drink or fruit can help iron absorption, too.

Iron content varies a lot by food, and many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron, giving a much higher iron amount per serving than other common breakfast items. Raisin bran is typically such a fortified cereal, so it delivers more iron than an apple cup, yogurt, or plain toast. The fruit and dairy options provide minimal iron, and the bread option usually has only a small amount unless the flour is specially fortified. If you want to maximize iron intake at breakfast, the fortified cereal is the best choice. Pairing it with a vitamin C–rich drink or fruit can help iron absorption, too.