‘Avoid tea at meal times’

Tea can prevent the body from absorbing iron, if drunk at meal times, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has warned.

Although tea can be counted towards a person’s recommended daily fluid intake, if consumed at meal times it can inhibit the proper absorption of iron, so a spokesperson for the BDA has recommended that the drink be consumed mid-morning or mid-afternoon, rather than at mealtimes.

Jacqui Lowdon, a dietician at the BDA said: “If you are having an iron rich meal ? a cup of tea alongside that will reduce the maximum amount of iron the body can absorb from the meal so you should avoid drinking tea at meal times.”

She added that is was “preferable” to have vitamin C-rich food or drink with your meal “as vitamin C helps the body absorb iron”.

However, tea was recommended as a very good pick-me-up for sluggishness and if consumption is not excessive it can contribute to the recommended daily fluid intake.

The United Kingdom Tea Council recommends that each individual consume four cups of tea per day, because of the health benefits it claims the drink can have.