Tag: Tannins and iron

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia, or a low red blood cell (RBC) count, affects over 269 million children and 539 million women worldwide. If you have low RBC, specific dietary changes, particularly avoiding certain foods, are essential for managing the condition and supporting your body's ability to produce healthy red blood cells.

According to a 2017 study published in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, consuming tea simultaneously with an iron-containing meal can significantly decrease non-heme iron absorption. This raises the question: does herbal tea cause iron deficiency, or is the risk overstated?

While tea is 99% water, substituting plain water entirely with tea is not a recommended practice. The nuanced composition of tea, including compounds like caffeine and tannins, makes it different from pure water for your body's complex physiological needs, raising the question: can you just drink tea and not water?

According to research, certain foods and beverages can reduce iron absorption by as much as 60-90%. To ensure you receive the full benefits from iron-rich foods or supplements, it is critical to understand what should you avoid taking iron with and when to time your intake correctly.