Which foods should a nurse encourage a 12-year-old to eat to increase her iron intake?

Encouraging the consumption of seafood and beans is an effective strategy for increasing iron intake in a 12-year-old. Seafood is a rich source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources. Additionally, beans are an excellent source of non-heme iron and provide other essential nutrients that support growth and development during this critical age.

Iron is vital for supporting energy levels and cognitive functions, especially in growing children. Including a combination of both seafood and beans can help meet the increased iron needs during adolescence, ensuring that the young individual can maintain healthy energy levels and overall wellbeing.

While other food groups, such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products and cereals, or breads and pastries, may offer some nutritional benefits, they are not particularly rich in iron compared to seafood and beans. Encouraging a balanced diet that emphasizes iron-rich foods is essential for promoting proper growth and health in children.