Excessive Matcha Consumption Linked to Iron Deficiency, Doctor Warns

A recent video featuring Dr. Karan Rajan highlights a potential health concern for avid matcha drinkers: the risk of iron deficiency. The video, which opens with a humorous depiction of a woman receiving an intravenous drip, quickly transitions into a scientific explanation of how excessive matcha consumption can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron. Dr. Rajan explains that matcha, while rich in beneficial polyphenols, contains compounds that can bind to non-heme iron—the type found in plant-based foods—in the gut. This binding action can significantly reduce iron absorption, with some studies indicating a reduction of 60-70% when polyphenol-rich beverages are consumed with iron-rich meals. The medical expert cautions that individuals who consume several cups of matcha daily, particularly women of reproductive age, vegans, and those with pre-existing borderline iron levels, may be at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency anemia over time. He advises a simple dietary adjustment: consuming matcha between meals rather than alongside them to minimize interference with iron absorption. Dr. Rajan concludes by recommending that anyone experiencing persistent fatigue due to heavy matcha consumption consult their doctor for ferritin and iron studies to assess their iron levels.