Did you know drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages can block the absorption of iron? It's true. Consuming large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages, like tea and coffee, can prevent iron absorption and cause iron-deficiency anemia.

Coffee contains substances called polyphenols and tea contains substances called tannins, both of which make iron in food harder to absorb.

Calcium, a mineral, which if taken in large doses, competes for iron absorption, and can cause anemia, too.

Who knew.

Now, before you go to learn about the third possible cause of anemia, let's discuss some important points that have to do with iron absorption on the next page.