Does Earl Grey Decaffinated Tea stop iron absorbtion into the bloodstream?

Question

I have been drinking Earl Grey Tea like its going out of fashion. My Hb levels have dropped to 8.5 so I need an iron infusion. Great! Does the Decaff version have the same effect? I guess Earl Grey is my thing. Sad I know. Would be better if I smoked or drank alcohol I guess;-)

Answer 1

Smoking or drinking is not a cure for anemia.
I check this out a bit and found that these tannins are only a problem with iron from plant sources.
If you are eating protein that came from animals, it will not do any harm.
We also need to remember to eat vitamin C as it helps with iron absorbency.
Thanks for the question.I am anemic too and this really helped me do some research.

Answer 2

Tea had tannins and phytates which definitely do bind iron and keep it from being absorbed. Normally I would say it wouldn't be a problem as long as you keep the tea separate from your iron containing foods and meals. However, if the only lifestyle/health changes you have made recently is drinking a lot of tea, then that may be the problem. I have had problems keeping my iron levels in check in the past and I found that a pre-natal vitamin a day keeps me where I need to be. You may try that if you want to keep on drinking the Earl Grey. You may also look into tea varieties that contain less tannins and phytates.