Annecy-Spiridon - 3. Archives

In France, there is extensive talk about the question of assimilation of iron. In the latest issue of Jogging International I read:

“Drinking tea at meals is good for the health FALSE

If it is true that tea contains poly-phenols which prevent cardiovascular diseases, notably cerebral vascular accidents. When it is drunk during the meal, the tannins it contains (these molecules which leave dark stains at the bottom of the cup) fix iron and prevent its assimilation by the body. Do not forget that that molecule is important in the first place for runners for its role in the transport of respiratory molecules.”

A linguistic commentary first. The word "molecule" is used three times. The first time, in the plural, it refers to "tannins"; the second time, in the singular, it refers to… what does it refer to? The body? No, iron of course!(Read again: isn’t it crystal clear?) ; the third time… it’s getting worse… what are the so-called " respiratory molecules "?Are they like vitamins, those tiny animals that creep in your salad?

. I am afraid the use of scientific words (poly-phenols, molecules instead of "substances") gives no right to assert that drinking tea at meals is good for the health is definitely FALSE.I would expect a more rigorous scientific analysis on the part of the “experts” of Jogging International.

The first time I heard about the role of tea in the absorption of iron by the body was by a question put to a doctor, a specialist of sport, during a conference some years ago. He had answered that indeed he had read something about it in a popular scientific work.

I searched on the internet and noticed that all the information resulted from the same source, and that the problem of the role of tea in the absorption of iron was presented in no way in the terms of the article above but rather (I oversimplify) « if a patient suffers from diagnosed anemia he has to reduce his intake of tea. » It is not about " average joggers” but patients consulting their GP!

Scientists will make use of statistics to support their intuitions. There is no need to have a Ph. D to know that more than half the inhabitants of the planet (the Chinese, the Indians, the Japanese, people from Arabic countries, the British) are tea-drinkers – and furthermore they will drink tea during the meals. Do they all suffer from anemia? Are the results of their athletes below those of non tea-drinkers?

Creation date : 01/03/2005 @ 17:23
Last update : 27/07/2006 @ 08:21
Category : 3. Archives
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Tea & Iron