What component in black tea inhibits iron absorption?

• A. It contains tannin which inhibits absorption of iron
• B. It contains caffeine that increases iron absorption
• C. It contains calcium that binds iron
• D. It contains sugar that reduces iron absorption

Answer: (A)

Tannins in black tea are the component that inhibits iron absorption. These polyphenols bind iron in the digestive tract, especially non-heme iron from plant-based foods, forming insoluble complexes that the body can’t readily absorb. That binding reduces the amount of iron that gets taken up during a meal.

Caffeine isn't the main factor responsible for this effect, calcium's known impact on iron absorption comes from different contexts and isn’t the primary mechanism here, and sugar doesn't directly interfere with iron absorption. Practically, you can minimize the impact by not drinking tea with meals or by consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods to help absorption.