Citrus Fruits

Overview

Citrus fruits provide high vitamin C content that enhances non-heme iron absorption and supports antioxidant defenses. Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption (up to 4× increase) and provides antioxidant support.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

1 substance in this food

Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

Antioxidant; supports iron absorption; neuronal SVCT2 transport

Preparation Notes

• Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption (up to 4× increase)
• Antioxidant support
• Pair with iron-rich plant foods for enhanced absorption

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Vitamin C (Ascorbate)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Antioxidant properties; supports anti-inflammatory effects
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Vitamin C (Ascorbate)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Supports stress response through antioxidant and neurochemical effects
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Vitamin C (Ascorbate)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports norepinephrine synthesis; transported in brain via SVCT2

References

• Pairing plant-based iron sources with citrus enhances iron absorption