Iron absorption from orange juice

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Iron Absorption and Orange Juice: Key Findings

Orange Juice Significantly Enhances Iron Absorption

Multiple studies show that orange juice, which is rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), can significantly increase the absorption of iron from both food and supplements. In children, consuming ferrous fumarate (a common iron supplement) with orange juice led to a notable increase in iron absorption compared to apple juice, which lacks ascorbic acid. The effect was especially strong in children older than six, with nearly double the iron absorption when orange juice was included in the meal . Similar results were found in studies with adults and pregnant women, where orange juice or vitamin C-rich foods improved iron absorption from both meals and supplements 67810.

Comparison with Other Juices and Foods

Research comparing orange juice to apple juice found that both juices allowed for good iron absorption in children, but orange juice did not always show a statistically significant advantage over apple juice in every study. However, the presence of ascorbic acid in orange juice is consistently linked to better iron absorption, especially when compared to juices or fruits with lower vitamin C content, such as apple juice, grape, or peach 239. The enhancing effect of orange juice is mainly due to its high ascorbic acid and citric acid content, which help convert iron into a form that is easier for the body to absorb 34.

Mechanisms: Role of Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid

The main reason orange juice boosts iron absorption is its ascorbic acid content. Ascorbic acid helps keep iron in a soluble form in the digestive tract, making it easier for the body to absorb. Citric acid in orange juice also plays a role, and the combination of ascorbic acid and citric acid is more effective than ascorbic acid alone 34. This effect is particularly important when iron is consumed with foods or supplements that might otherwise be poorly absorbed.

Practical Implications for Iron Supplementation

For people taking iron supplements, especially those at risk of iron deficiency like pregnant women, taking iron tablets with orange juice can lead to higher increases in hemoglobin levels compared to taking iron with water or other juices 810. Studies recommend consuming iron supplements in the morning with an ascorbic acid-rich beverage like orange juice and away from coffee or tea, which can inhibit iron absorption 69.

Iron Absorption During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body naturally increases iron absorption to meet higher needs. Including orange juice with iron-rich meals or supplements can help ensure that these increased requirements are met, supporting both maternal and fetal health 7810.

Conclusion

Orange juice is a simple and effective way to enhance iron absorption from both food and supplements, mainly due to its high ascorbic acid and citric acid content. This benefit is seen in children, adults, and pregnant women. For those looking to improve their iron status, pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with orange juice is a practical and evidence-based strategy.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Orange But Not Apple Juice Enhances Ferrous Fumarate Absorption in Small Children

Orange juice enhances iron absorption from ferrous fumarate in small children, while apple juice does not, with a 2-fold increase in absorption in children older than 6.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2010·

19citations

·Kimberly S. Balay et al.

Effect of orange and apple juices on iron absorption in children.

Apple juice and orange juice both enhance iron absorption in children, so a preference for apple juice does not pose a concern for iron-deficiency anemia.

2003·

30citations

·Malika Shah et al.

The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal

Citrus fruit juices, especially orange and lemon juices, enhance iron absorption in a rice meal, while grapes, peaches, and avocado pear have little or no effect.

Highly Cited

1987·

167citations

·D. Ballot et al.

Calcium bioavailability and iron-calcium interaction in orange juice.

Orange juice improves calcium bioavailability and iron absorption, with citric acid and ascorbic acid promoting iron absorption without inhibiting calcium absorption.

1989·

22citations

·H. Mehansho et al.

Effect of juice on iron absorption in children

Drinking apple or orange juice with a meal does not significantly impact iron absorption in children with iron-deficiency anemia.

2004·

0citations

·C. Kemp

Effect of dietary factors and time of day on iron absorption from oral iron supplements in iron deficient women

Consuming iron supplements in the morning, away from meals or coffee, and with an ascorbic acid-rich food or beverage increases iron absorption by 4-fold in iron deficient women.

Non-RCT

2023·

18citations

·Hanna K. von Siebenthal et al.

Absorption of non-haem iron from food during normal pregnancy

Increased iron absorption from food during normal pregnancy is large enough to meet increased requirements, provided dietary intake is adequate.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1994·

170citations

·Jon F. R. Barrett et al.

The Difference Of Effectiveness way to Consume Iron tablets toward haemoglobin level changes to pregnant women in second trimester at the Sindang Barang community health center in 2017

Taking iron tablets and drinking lemon juice together is more effective than taking iron tablets alone in increasing hemoglobin levels in second trimester pregnant women.

RCT

2020·

1citation

·Triswanti et al.

Effect of different drinks on the absorption of non-heme iron from composite meals.

Orange juice significantly increases iron absorption, while tea and coffee reduce it, while milk, beer, and Coca-Cola have no significant effect.

Non-RCTHighly Cited

1982·

150citations

·L. Hallberg et al.

THE EFFECT OF IRON TABLETS WITH SWEET ORANGE JUICE CONSUMPTION TO INCREASE HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS OF PREGNANT WOMENS

Consumption of iron tablets with sweet orange juice increases hemoglobin levels in pregnant women, facilitating iron absorption and preventing anemia in pregnancy.

Non-RCT

2016·

0citations

·Sabrina Dwi Prihartini

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