The German Nutrition Society said that some foods steal iron from the body, most notably coffee, black tea, and green tea, because they contain tannins, which prevent the absorption of iron.
Tannin is a chemical substance found naturally in many plants, especially in their leaves, roots, and immature fruits. This substance has a bitter taste and a reddish-brown color.
Calcium
The association added that calcium also prevents the absorption of iron in the body, and food sources of calcium are milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.
Grain products such as bread, pasta, rice and corn contain phytic acid, which binds iron, making it difficult for the body to absorb it.
Cola and lemonade are also among the drinks that prevent the absorption of iron in the body, because they contain phosphate.
Vitamin C helps absorption
Otherwise, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, and its food sources are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet peppers, and citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines.
In order for the body to be able to absorb iron, foods that prevent its absorption should not be eaten with foods rich in it, which are red meat, animal entrails such as liver and kidneys, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and legumes such as lentils, peas, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate.
It is worth noting that iron is of great importance to health. As it helps build blood. Symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue, exhaustion, lethargy, pale and dry skin, poor concentration, headache and dizziness.