<prompt> Ascorbic acid is a potent enhancer of iron absorption because it:Enhances the absorption of heme ironEnhances the activity of heme oxygenaseIs a reducing agent, thereby helping to keep iron in the ferrous stateDecreases the production of ferritin by enterocytes  <response>: Ans. C. Is a reducing agent, thereby helping to keep iron in the ferrous stateAscorbic acid enhances iron absorption mostly by its reducing capacity, keeping iron in the ferrous state. Ascorbic acid does not enhance heme iron absorption, nor does it affect heme oxygenase activity or the production of ferritin or transferrin. 