Does Herbal Tea Interfere With Iron Absorption?

A reader asks, "I've heard that drinking black tea with meals may have an effect on iron absorption. Does drinking herbal tea (chamomile, anise, green mint, etc.) with meals have the same effect?"

Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea naturally contain compounds called tannins. Tannins give tea their color and characteristic astringent taste. They can also inhibit the absorption of iron, however, especially iron from plant sources, which is called non-heme iron. Read the full answer: Does Herbal Tea Interfere With Iron Absorption?

photo credit: © Jupiter Images