the problem
tea and iron have a complicated relationship
Green tea — matcha included — is naturally rich in tannins and catechins. They're great antioxidants, but they bind to non-heme iron (the kind in plants and supplements) in your gut, which can meaningfully reduce how much iron your body absorbs when you drink tea with or near meals.
Meanwhile, iron shortfall is widespread: menstruating women, pregnant women, endurance athletes, frequent blood donors, and anyone eating mostly plant-based are all at elevated risk. Fatigue, brain fog, cold hands, and weak workouts are common signs.
So the people who love matcha most — health-conscious, often plant-based — are frequently the same people quietly running low on iron. That's the gap qt was designed to close.
