The X and Y Chromosomes Determine Your Sex. One chromosome pair - the sex chromosomes - is unique. You don't necessarily end up with a matching pair. Typically females have two X chromosomes and males have an X and a Y. Mothers always pass an X chromosome on to their children.
On the other hand, the absorption of nonheme iron, the major dietary pool, is greatly influenced by meal composition. Ascorbic acid is a powerful enhancer of nonheme iron absorption and can reverse the inhibiting effect of such substances as tea and calcium/phosphate.
Some types of foods have the opposite effect of vitamin C and inhibit nonheme absorption. While it can reduce the effect of nonheme inhibitors, vitamin C can't prevent them from interfering with nonheme iron absorption. Beans, grains and rice contain a substance called phytic acid, which binds with nonheme iron and prevents absorption.