A young woman ended up in the hospital needing intravenous therapy after developing symptoms like fatigue, heart palpitations, and feeling unusually cold due to her matcha consumption. Lynn Shazeen, 28, from the Washington D.C. area, started incorporating matcha into her diet six months ago, consuming it weekly. However, after three months, she began experiencing alarming health issues. Following a hospital visit, it was revealed that her iron levels had significantly dropped, with matcha being identified as the likely culprit.
A nurse by profession, Lynn stated, “Matcha was the only dietary change I had made. After ruling out other possibilities with my doctor, it became evident that matcha was the root cause.” She was treated with a detox IV and advised to take iron supplements to address her iron deficiency, a condition known as anemia.
Explaining her motivation for trying matcha, Lynn mentioned she sought to incorporate more anti-inflammatory components into her diet to combat existing inflammation. Despite feeling more fatigued and colder than usual, she was unaware of the cause until medical tests revealed the impact on her iron levels.
Studies supported by the National Institutes of Health have shown that green tea, including matcha, can hinder the body’s iron absorption from food sources. Lynn, now more cautious, has ceased drinking matcha, opting for regular tea instead. She supplements her diet with iron and vitamin C to restore her iron levels.
Matcha, a finely ground green tea made from the freshest tea leaves, has gained popularity recently, with various cafes offering matcha-based beverages and treats like lattes, milkshakes, and pastries. While matcha is celebrated for its antioxidant properties, Harvard Health advises that further research is needed to substantiate claims regarding its health benefits, particularly its impact on cardiovascular health.
Harvard Health also highlights that the antioxidant effectiveness of matcha might be reduced due to its preparation with hot water or inclusion in baked goods. This caution serves as a reminder for consumers to be mindful of how they consume matcha products to maximize its potential health benefits.
