Which of the following foods is NOT a good source of iron?

• A. Liver
• B. Lima beans
• C. Prune juice
• D. Cabbage

Answer: (D)

Iron in the diet comes in two forms: heme iron from animal foods, which the body absorbs efficiently, and non-heme iron from plants, which is absorbed less readily. Foods like liver provide a large amount of readily usable iron, making them excellent sources. Lima beans offer a solid amount of non-heme iron, though absorption can be improved by pairing with vitamin C-rich foods. Prune juice contains non-heme iron as well and can contribute to intake, but it isn’t a particularly strong source. Cabbage, while healthy, supplies only small amounts of iron and isn’t considered a meaningful source for meeting iron needs. To optimize non-heme iron absorption from plant foods, pair them with vitamin C-rich items and be mindful of inhibitors such as calcium in the same meal.