We are a nation hooked on caffeine, whether it’s downing pots of tea or requiring three hefty mugs of coffee before we can even contemplate starting the day.

However, nutritional therapist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson has issued a warning that many of us are making a significant blunder with our favourite drinks according to reports in the Mirror.

The expert has identified the most ‘common mealtime mistake’ she observes among Brits as drinking their tea or coffee while consuming food – and has encouraged people to adjust their drinking habits to avoid experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

“Drinking tea or coffee with a meal, especially one containing iron-rich foods such as meat and leafy green vegetables, is a no-no,” Deborah stated. “The chemicals in tea and coffee can prevent the absorption of iron, which is essential to the body and its ability to transport oxygen as well as many other functions. If you always have tea with your meal you could become anaemic, especially if you are female and still having periods.”

Several studies have highlighted the connection between coffee and tea consumption and reduced iron absorption. For instance, research published in PubMed discovered that having a cup of coffee with a hamburger meal decreased iron absorption by 39 per cent, while enjoying a cuppa with the same meal led to a whopping 64 per cent reduction in iron absorption.

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Drinking tea with food could have a negative impact on your health (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A study from 1999 found that consuming a cup of instant coffee with a bread meal resulted in a 60-90 per cent decrease in iron absorption. However, it’s not the caffeine that impedes iron absorption, but compounds known as polyphenols and tannins.

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It’s important to note that numerous credible studies indicate that coffee and caffeine are not linked to iron deficiency in healthy individuals who aren’t already at risk of a deficiency. As Healthline suggests, if you’re getting enough iron from your diet and regularly consuming an ‘adequate amount of vitamin C’ (which enhances iron absorption), the effects of drinking coffee and tea shouldn’t cause any issues.

However, if you’re guzzling down excessive amounts of tea or coffee and are concerned about your iron levels, it might be worth waiting for an hour after drinking before eating a meal to maximise its benefits. It’s also advised to increase your intake of vitamin C during meals and incorporate more iron-fortified foods into your diet.

Signs of anaemia

If you suspect you’re suffering from iron deficiency anaemia, it’s recommended to consult with a GP who can carry out blood tests and inquire about your dietary habits. The NHS advises keeping an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Shortness of breath
  • Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
  • Paler than usual skin
  • Headaches

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