<prompt> Iron absorption is increased by the following factor in diet:Vitamin-CPhytic acidFibre dietPhosphates  <response>: In a vegetarian diet, nonheme iron is absorbed very poorly because of the inhibitory action of a variety of dietary components, paicularly phosphates, phytates and high fibre content. Ascorbic acid and meat facilitate the absorption of nonheme iron. Ascorbate forms complexes with andor reduces ferric to ferrous iron. Meat facilitates the absorption of iron by stimulating production of gastric acid; other effects also may be involved. Either of these substances can increase availability several fold. Ref: Kaushansky K., Kipps T.J. 2011. Chapter 37. Hematopoietic Agents: Growth Factors, Minerals, and Vitamins. In B.C. Knollmann Ed, Goodman Gilmans The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e. 