Conclusions: This study shows
that tea consumed simultaneously with an iron-containing porridge meal
leads to decreased nonheme iron absorption and that a 1-h time interval
between a meal and tea consumption attenuates the inhibitory effect,
resulting in increased nonheme iron absorption. These findings are not
only important in relation to the management of iron deficiency but
should also inform dietary advice, especially that given to those at
risk of deficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02365103.