Matcha green tea, celebrated for its antioxidant-rich profile and touted as a health superfood, may not be beneficial for everyone. Laura Mae learned this the hard way when her daily matcha routine contributed to a severe iron deficiency that landed her in the hospital.
From her hospital bed, Laura documented her journey on TikTok, where her video quickly went viral with over 10 million views. She explained how her morning matcha habit was likely behind her symptoms, including hair loss and fatigue. “When you realize the matcha you have been drinking every morning is likely the reason your hair is falling out,” she captioned her video.
Laura explained that matcha contains tannins and other compounds that can block your body’s natural ability to absorb iron. This blockage can lead to worsening symptoms such as brittle nails and exhaustion.
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Initially, Laura attributed her ongoing health issues to Crohn’s Disease, but after reconsidering her matcha consumption, the picture became clearer. “Once I realized my daily matcha was making iron absorption even harder, it all clicked,” she said. Changing her morning routine and stopping matcha intake marked a turning point in her recovery.
“Gut health really is everything,” Laura emphasized. After swapping out matcha for a different drink, she felt improvements in her energy and mood almost immediately. She stressed that not every popular “healthy habit” suits everyone, especially when dealing with absorption challenges.
Health experts also note the risks associated with drinking matcha. Verywell Health highlights that matcha is richer in polyphenols like tannins compared to regular green tea, which can bind with iron in the digestive tract, reducing its absorption. These effects can exacerbate or trigger iron deficiency anemia, especially for those already at risk.
Matcha.com advises those concerned about iron levels to avoid consuming matcha or green tea shortly before or after iron-rich meals or supplements, as the compounds in matcha can interfere with iron absorption.
Laura Mae’s experience serves as an important reminder: even well-regarded health foods can have unexpected effects and should be enjoyed with awareness of individual health needs.