Iron is an important dietary mineral involved in several biological mechanisms, primarily the transport of oxygen in the blood. can have wide-ranging effects on Interestingly, not all cases of iron deficiency are caused by insufficient iron in the diet. For example, drinking tea or coffee at the wrong time can interfere with iron absorption and contribute to this condition. There is a possibility
Iron deficiency is primarily caused by chronic blood loss and strenuous exercise.
However, the most common cause is not getting enough iron-rich foods in your diet.
While this problem is easy to fix, research suggests that people who are prone to deficiency may benefit from avoiding coffee and tea with their meals.
According to Australian platform Better Health, tea and coffee are two of several dietary sources known to interfere with iron absorption.
Read more: Iron Deficiency: Everyday Feelings That May Intensify
People at risk of deficiency tend to avoid foods and drinks such as bran, tea, and coffee that interfere with iron absorption and diet.
Healthy Body explains:
“Phytic acid and fiber in whole grains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.”
One of the studies investigating the role of coffee and tea in iron absorption was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Researchers said: “A cup of coffee reduced iron absorption from a hamburger by 39%, whereas tea is known to be a potent inhibitor of iron absorption.”
They found no evidence of decreased iron absorption when coffee was consumed one hour before a meal, whereas inhibition was observed when coffee was consumed within one hour of a meal.
Another ingredient in tea and coffee that can interfere with iron absorption is polyphenols.
These primarily consist of chlorogenic acid, the main active ingredient in coffee, cocoa, and some herbs.
READ MORE: Iron Deficiency: Tea Consumption May ‘Prevent Iron Absorption’
Together, the components are touted to provide most of the health benefits associated with tea and coffee.
However, if taken at the same time as iron-containing foods, iron may be caught.
This binding primarily affects nonheme iron found in plant foods.
Common sources of non-heme iron include fortified breakfast cereals, beans, dark chocolate, lentils, spinach, potatoes in the skin, nuts and seeds.
Note, however, that caffeinated foods and drinks are not usually the cause of iron deficiency in healthy people.
Why Does the Body Need Iron?
Red blood cells contain a complex protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
The hemoglobin protein is partially composed of iron and accounts for two-thirds of the body’s oxygen.
Iron also plays a role in the production of the protein myoglobin and enzymes in the body as well as the immune system.
