Key Takeaways

Black, green, and herbal teas can affect iron absorption.

Drink them at least one hour before or after meals or iron supplements, especially if you have an iron deficiency.

If you drink tea with breakfast, focus on improving your iron intake during other meals, including vitamin C-rich foods that boost absorption.

Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Compounds in tea can affect iron absorption, reducing the effectiveness of strategies that relieve iron deficiency, a condition that affects 9.3% of Americans aged 2 years and older.

What in Tea Reduces Iron Absorption?

Evidence suggests that tea may reduce up to 90% of intestinal iron absorption. Factors thay may influence this include:

Polyphenols : Tea contains polyphenols , or plant compounds with h

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