Britons are familiar with the health benefits of green tea, but less aware of the potential dangers it carries. Dr Karan Rajan, a GP, has highlighted the dangers after content creator Lynn Shazeen's excessive matcha habit left her in need of medical treatment.
In a recent video shared on TikTok, the doctor highlighted the risks that many tea lovers don't realise exist.
The doctor explained that while matcha contains beneficial compounds in much higher concentrations than regular green tea, since drinkers consume the entire powdered leaf, these same compounds can cause serious health problems when consumed in large quantities.
"If you drink a lot of matcha, you probably need to know this," Dr Rajan cautioned, pointing to the link between heavy matcha consumption and iron deficiency anaemia.
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The doctor shares some of the risks that many tea lovers don't realise exist
|TIKTOK / DR.KARANR
The problem lies in matcha's high concentration of polyphenols, particularly a compound called EGCG.
While these substances offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in moderate amounts, consuming several cups of matcha daily can interfere with how your body absorbs iron.
Dr Rajan explained that these polyphenols bind to non-heme iron - the type found in plant-based foods - in the gut, preventing proper absorption.
Research has shown that drinking polyphenol-rich teas can slash iron absorption by 60 to 70 per cent when consumed alongside iron-rich meals.
It's worth noting that heme iron from meat and other animal sources isn't affected in the same way, making this primarily a concern for those relying on plant-based iron sources.
Those most at risk from matcha-related iron deficiency include women of childbearing age, vegans, and anyone whose iron levels are already on the low side.
Dr Rajan warned that these groups could gradually develop iron deficiency anaemia through regular heavy matcha consumption.
For those who can't give up their matcha fix, timing is everything. The doctor recommends drinking matcha between meals rather than with food to minimise interference with iron absorption.
"If drinking matcha is your personality, make sure you drink matcha between meals, not with them," he advised.
He also suggested that anyone feeling constantly exhausted despite their healthy matcha habit should ask their doctor about ferritin and iron studies.
The NHS identifies several telltale signs of iron deficiency anaemia, including persistent tiredness, breathlessness, noticeable heartbeats, unusually pale skin, and headaches.
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Lynn Shazeen's excessive matcha habit led to her hospitalisation
|TIKTOK
Treatment typically involves taking iron tablets for around six months once a GP has identified the underlying cause.
The NHS recommends drinking orange juice after taking iron supplements to boost absorption.
Common side effects from iron tablets include constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and darker stools. Taking the tablets with or shortly after meals can help reduce these effects.
It's crucial to continue the treatment even if side effects occur, with doctors monitoring iron levels through regular blood tests to ensure they return to normal.
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