A nurse is providing prenatal teaching about iron to a client who follows a vegetarian diet. The nurse should recommend that the client consume which of the following foods to enhance the absorption of nonheme iron?

Rationale: A. Dairy products such as cheese do not enhance iron absorption. In fact, calcium found in dairy can inhibit the absorption of nonheme iron when consumed at the same time, making it less helpful for a vegetarian client who already relies on plant-based iron sources. B. Eggs do not enhance iron absorption. Additionally, certain components in eggs (such as phosphoproteins) may actually inhibit iron absorption. While eggs contain some iron, they are not a good enhancer of nonheme iron absorption. C. Nuts provide some iron but do not enhance its absorption. Like other plant foods, they contain phytates, which can further inhibit iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. D. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), found in citrus fruits like oranges, significantly enhances the absorption of nonheme iron by converting it to a more absorbable form in the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially important for vegetarian clients who rely on plant-based iron sources, which are less readily absorbed than heme iron from animal products.