A nurse is assisting with teaching a client who is on a soft diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Spinach contains iron, but it's a non-heme source of iron, which is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron.
B. Chicken contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources.
C. Dried apricots contain non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed than heme iron.
D. Lentils contain non-heme iron, which is also less easily absorbed compared to heme iron sources like chicken.

A. Lactose intolerance is more related to the absence of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose (milk sugar) and can occur in individuals regardless of their dietary choices.
B. Vegan diets may lack sufficient intake of absorbable iron, as plant-based sources of iron (non-heme iron) are not as readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron found in animal products. This can put vegans at a higher risk of iron deficiency.
C. Diabetes risk is influenced by various factors, including genetics and lifestyle, rather than specifically by following a vegan diet.
D. Pneumonia risk is not directly associated with following a vegan diet but can be influenced by overall health, immune function, and exposure to pathogens.