Do not drink tea/coffee immediately after a meal as it can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron (found in plants) consumed in the meal.

It is recommended to limit your tea/coffee drinking to between meals or one hour after a meal. This is because of the tannin content in tea (both green and black) as well as coffee, which forms a bond to the iron, effectively limiting the body's ability to absorb this important mineral. The absorption of heme iron (found in meats) is not affected by tannins.

Foods rich in vitamin C can help neutralize tannin's effects on iron absorption. Adding lemon juice to tea will reduce the negative effect of tannins in iron absorption as well.