Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis

Abstract

Background-Black tea is known to be a potent inhibitor of intestinal absorption of non-haem iron at least in healthy subjects. Aims-To investigate this eVect in patients with genetic haemochromatosis, and, more importantly, the eVect of regular tea drinking on the accumulation of storage iron in these patients over one year. Patients-Investigations were carried out on 18 patients with clinically proven genetic haemochromatosis. For the study of storage iron accumulation, they were separated into a group instructed to drink a particularly tannin rich tea regularly with meals and a control group. Methods-Intestinal iron absorption from a test meal was measured using whole body counting. Body iron stores were evaluated quantitatively by exhaustive phlebotomy, using haemoglobin, saturation of serum iron binding capacity, and serum ferritin for the assessment of body iron status. Results-A significant reduction in iron absorption was observed when the test meal was accompanied by drinks of tea instead of water. In the tea drinking group, the increase in storage iron was reduced by about one third compared with that of the control group. Conclusions-Regular tea drinking with meals reduces the frequency of phlebotomies required in the management of patients with haemochromatosis. (Gut 1998;43:699-704)

Splenomegaly in Patients With Sideropenic Anemias: Clinical and Hematologic Significance

“…A common custom in Egypt is to drink nearly 2 g/250 mL of red tea right after each meal particularly after lunch. Numerous studies reported that tea hinders iron absorption and advised tea drinkers to have their cups at least 1 h after meal [27][28][29].…”

The effect of exogenous antioxidants on the antioxiidant status of erythrocytes and hepcidin content in blood of patients with disorders of iron metabolism regulation

“…Имеются указания на то, что при врожденном гемохроматозе полифенолы и оксалаты, содержащиеся в чёрном чае и нецитрусовых фруктах, могут ингибировать адсорбцию негемового железа, способствуя повышению уровня гепсидина [24][25][26][27].…”

Effect of SNPs on iron metabolism

“…Iron stores in C282Y homozygotes are positively associated with high alcohol and low fresh fruit consumption [17] and regular tea drinking with meals reduces the frequency of phlebotomies [14]. The role of diet in the management of haemochromatosis is controversial as many haematologists consider regular phlebotomy to be less invasive than dietary modification and therefore more acceptable for their patients.…”