Matcha tea: Can it cause hair loss?

Michelle Ranavat is influencer. In one of her Tiktok videos, she claims that her hair loss is due to her excessive consumption of matcha tea. “I didn’t know that matcha tea inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. You should know that an iron deficiency can lead to a hair loss, ”she wrote in legend of her video, in which we see her drinking a matcha tea. “I noticed that my hair was slightly refined during the last month and a blood test indicates an iron deficiency. The only thing I changed is that I replaced coffee with matcha, “she says. Other tiktakers also testify to their hair loss by incriminating matcha tea.

“MATCHA tea is not directly responsible for hair loss, but excessive consumption without iron contribution can ultimately lead to iron deficiency, which can trigger a hair loss,” confirms Remo Lagerer, trichologist and director of two specialized clinics in Switzerland.

“This is explained by the presence of certain plant substances contained in matcha, catechins and tannins, which can inhibit the absorption of iron in the intestine, especially if it is consumed at the same time as a meal rich in iron,” explains the expert. For example, if you take oat porridge at breakfast accompanied by a matcha latte.

However, there is no reason to give up matcha tea. “If you leave a little time between meals and the drink, it is no problem,” says Remo Lageder. However, he recommends monitoring his iron levels, especially if the daily consumption of matcha tea amounts to two, three, or even more cups and the diet of the person in question is poor in iron, in other words if he consumes little meat or legumes.

There is also good news for Matcha fans: this tea can even be beneficial for hair. “Matcha is rich in antioxidants. The latter promote blood circulation and have an anti-inflammatory effect, ”explains the hair expert. According to him, “these two effects are beneficial for the scalp, and, therefore, for hair growth”.

To further support the health of your hair, it is also advisable to hydrate in sufficient quantity and to consume foods rich in vitamins, iron, zinc or biotin, such as eggs, lenses, nuts, spinach, berries and fish.