For a child aged 6 with iron deficiency anemia, which food item is best to administer with oral iron supplements?

The best food item to administer with oral iron supplements is orange juice. This is primarily because vitamin C, which is abundant in orange juice, enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in supplements and plant-based foods) in the intestines. When iron is taken together with vitamin C, it can more effectively convert into a soluble form, making it easier for the body to absorb.

In contrast, milk contains calcium, which can inhibit iron absorption if taken simultaneously. Drinking water does not have any significant impact on enhancing or inhibiting iron absorption, so it's less beneficial compared to foods high in vitamin C. Apple juice, while it does contain some vitamin C, does not have the same level of effectiveness as orange juice in promoting iron absorption. Therefore, pairing oral iron supplements with orange juice is the most beneficial approach for improving iron absorption in children with iron deficiency anemia.