Consumption Pattern of Tea is associated with Serum Ferritin Levels of Women of Childbearing Age in Nandi County, Kenya: A Cross-sectional Study
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Date
2024
Authors
Nyakundia, Patrick Nyamemba
Kiio, Juliana
Munyaka, Ann Wambui
Galgalo, Dahabo Adi
Lohner, Szimonetta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
S. Karger AG, Base
Abstract
Introduction: Tea consumption with meals affects iron absorption increasing the risk of iron deficiency.
Our study investigated the association between tea consumption patterns and serum ferritin levels
among women of childbearing age (WCA) in Nandi County, Kenya.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study among 160 WCA selected using a systematic
random sampling technique from Kapsabet Ward. Information on tea consumption practices was
gathered using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were
measured. We assessed associations between tea consumption and iron status of respondents by
multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, including parasitic infections and
recent severe blood losses.
Results: The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency among the study participants were 86.2% and
45%, respectively. Majority (90.6%) of the respondents consumed tea or coffee, with an infusion time of
more than 5 minutes (60.0%) and a moderate tea strength (64.1%), within 1-hr before or after meals.
Iron deficiency was associated the number of teacups consumed (adjusted odds ratio = 7.282, 95% CI =
3.580-14.812).
Conclusion: High tea consumption is positively associated with iron deficiency among WCA. Lower tea
infusion strength, shorter tea infusion duration, and a lower number of teacups overall consumed, as
well as consuming tea one hour before or after meals instead of with meals may be recommended for
better outcomes in iron status among WCA.
Description
Article
Keywords
serum ferritin, tea consumption patterns, polyphenols, iron status, women of childbearing age
Citation
Nyakundi, P. N., Kiio, J., Munyaka, A. W., Galgalo, D. A., & Lohner, S. (2024). Consumption Pattern of Tea is associated with Serum Ferritin Levels of Women of Childbearing Age in Nandi County, Kenya: A Cross-sectional Study. Annals of nutrition & metabolism.