A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to a client who has phenylketonuria (PKU) and is planning a pregnancy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the discussion?

Choice A reason: Green tea is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Green tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and prevent its absorption. The nurse should advise the client to avoid drinking green tea or other beverages that contain tannins, such as black tea, with meals that contain iron.

Choice B reason: Coffee is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Coffee also contains tannins, as well as caffeine, which can interfere with iron absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to limit or avoid coffee intake, especially with iron-rich foods.

Choice C reason: Milk is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Milk contains calcium, which can compete with iron for absorption. The nurse should suggest the client to consume milk and other dairy products separately from iron-containing foods.

Choice D reason: Orange juice is a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, as it is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase the absorption of nonheme iron by converting it from the ferric form to the more absorbable ferrous form. The nurse should encourage the client to drink orange juice or other citrus juices with meals that contain iron.

Choice A reason: Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can increase absorption, not decrease it. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods and supplements. The nurse should advise the client to take iron supplements with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, strawberries, or tomatoes.

Choice B reason: Cooking in a stainless steel skillet does not increase the amount of iron in the food. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of iron and does not leach iron into the food. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cast iron skillet instead, which can add iron to the food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Choice C reason: Drinking iced tea with meals can decrease the amount of iron absorbed, not increase it. Iced tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other beverages that contain tannins with meals, and to drink them between meals instead.

Choice D reason: Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron, which is the type of iron found in animal foods and is more easily absorbed by the body. The nurse should encourage the client to eat more foods that are high in heme iron, such as fish, poultry, meat, and eggs.