Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in a variety of food and beverage products, such as tea, wine and berries. Although polyphenols promote cellular health, they may also be the cause of a blood disorder known as anemia. Individuals diagnosed with anemia should consult with their healthcare provider regarding treatment options and diet recommendations.
Anemia
Anemia is often the result of an iron deficiency. Iron is a type of mineral that is responsible for the production of hemoglobin, which is a vital component of red blood cells and functions primarily to transports oxygen to body tissue. Symptoms of anemia include irritability, fatigue or an enlarged spleen. The American Dietetic Association describes two categories of iron: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron may be found in animal protein, whereas non-heme iron is located in plants. Adequate consumption of iron, both heme and non-heme, is essential for the prevention of anemia.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are compounds found in a variety of herbs and plants. Although they are effective at neutralizing free radicals, they significantly impair the body's ability to absorb iron. Since polyphenols bind with iron before food has had a chance to fully digest, the mineral is prevented from being absorbed into the bloodstream. While tea is abundant in polyphenols, other beverage items, such as cocoa and coffee, also contain a fair amount of polyphenols. The Iron Disorders Institute notes that polyphenols found in coffee may inhibit the absorption of iron by as much as 60 percent while Swedish cocoa is reported to inhibit iron absorption by a staggering 90 percent.
Recommendations
Although tea, coffee, wine and various food products contain polyphenols, there is no need to completely eliminate these items from your diet. Rather, allow your body the opportunity to fully absorb iron by waiting 2 hours before and 2 hours after a meal before ingesting a product containing polyphenols. Additionally, the American Dietetic Association states that food products rich in vitamin C may enhance iron absorption. Squeezing a bit of citrus juice into the tea or implementing them into the meals may help to offset the negative impact polyphenols have on iron absorption.
Considerations
While consumption of products containing polyphenols is one explanation for iron deficiency, it is not the only explanation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diets low in iron, body changes, gastrointestinal tract abnormalities and loss of blood may all contribute to a deficiency in iron and ultimately, anemia. Mayo Clinic notes that iron deficiency may also be the result of certain medications. To accurately identify the cause of anemia, speak with your healthcare provider regarding diet and lifestyle.
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