What you didn’t know about drinking green tea and iron absorption

Green tea has long been known for its tremendous health benefits. It’s known to possibly help prevent several types of infections and could potentially lower the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

However, research from Penn State University and the Food Chemistry journal says that drinking green tea along with an iron rich meal can reduce iron absorption, lower blood iron levels and also cut down on green tea’s health benefits.

Why do I need iron?

Iron is a vital mineral used by our body to form red blood cells and supply oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also required by our body to produce energy necessary to perform daily activities.

A lack of iron could lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, difficulty in remembering things and possible iron deficiency anemia.

Tea & coffee vs. iron

Several studies report that polyphenols and tannins present in green tea, black tea and coffee hinder iron absorption. This is certainly bad news for people who are prone to iron deficiency anemia.

A study conducted by researchers at Kansas University Medical Center mention that polyphenol containing beverages such as tea, coffee and cocoa are potent inhibitors of iron absorption. Therefore, consuming such beverages in high amounts can lead to iron depletion in the body.

Green tea and iron absorption

Specifically, with regards to green tea, phenolic compounds (acting as antioxidants) present in green tea leaves bind to dietary iron and significantly inhibit its absorption (up to 28%), according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2001.

In 2008, a study conducted in India on young women highlighted that drinking tea with meals cuts down iron absorption by half. And, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) present in citrus fruits and vegetables boosts iron absorption.

A study from Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition states that ascorbic acid, meat, fish and poultry are iron enhancers that can help in overcoming the inhibition of iron absorption as a result of tea drinking.

Research also suggests that meals high in protein and iron interact with green tea polyphenols and decrease their antioxidant potential. Therefore, you may not get the full benefits out of your green tea.

How to get more iron

The following are a few recommendations for green tea drinkers, which can help you maximize the health benefits of green tea without losing out on iron.

• Have green tea at least an hour before or after your meals.
• Make sure to eat a good amount of meat, fish and poultry, as these foods are rich in iron.
• Include vitamin C rich foods in your meals since it increases iron absorption.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid drinking green tea during meals in order to avoid iron depletion.