"Those With Iron Deficiency Should Be Cautious About Excessive Consumption"
Recently, warnings have emerged from women on social networking services (SNS) who claim to have experienced hair loss after drinking matcha beverages, which have become a trend. Experts point out that "the issue lies more with the ingredients and consumption habits than with matcha itself."
According to the New York Post and other sources on November 6, matcha beverages are made by grinding tea leaves into powder and mixing them with water. These drinks have gained explosive popularity among Generation Z on SNS as an alternative to coffee. However, some consumers have recently testified that "after drinking matcha beverages daily, their hair started to fall out." Experts explain that "matcha is not a 'direct cause' of hair loss, but the tannins and caffeine contained in matcha may have indirect effects."
Stephanie Schiff, a nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital, stated, "If you experience hair loss after consuming matcha, it is more likely due to the tannins in the tea rather than the matcha itself being a direct cause." Tannins are plant compounds with antioxidant properties that can bind with iron, interfering with the body's absorption of iron. As a result, iron deficiency may occur, which can lead to hair loss. Since the human body cannot produce iron on its own, it must be obtained through food or supplements.
Additionally, matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea. Nutritionist Amy Shapiro explained, "Excessive caffeine can trigger stress hormones and cause temporary hair loss," but added, "for most people, drinking one or two cups a day is not a significant problem." Typically, 1 to 2 grams of matcha used in a single matcha beverage contains about 80 mg of caffeine.
On the 1st, an employee is preparing a matcha beverage at a matcha specialty store in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Hair loss may occur in people with certain conditions, particularly those who are iron deficient, have anemia, women with heavy menstrual bleeding, and vegetarians who do not consume enough iron. Experts advise these groups to be cautious with matcha consumption. Schiff recommended, "It is best not to drink matcha before or after consuming iron-rich foods such as spinach, white beans, or tofu." Shapiro added, "When eating plant-based iron sources, consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, or Brussels sprouts, can improve iron absorption."
However, Shapiro further noted, "If you consume an excessive amount of matcha daily or take concentrated green tea extract supplements, the risk of hair loss may increase," and advised, "If you are concerned about hair loss, get your iron levels checked."
In addition, matcha may cause nausea or indigestion in some individuals, and excessive caffeine intake from matcha can also lead to insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, matcha also has distinct advantages. Shapiro explained, "Matcha is the most nutrient-rich way to consume green tea, as you ingest the entire tea leaf." It is known to be rich in antioxidants, L-theanine, and EGCG (a type of catechin), which can provide a gentler awakening effect than coffee, help eliminate free radicals, and aid in preventing heart disease. Matcha may also improve insulin sensitivity, potentially benefiting those with prediabetes or diabetes, and some studies have shown that it can suppress appetite and boost metabolism, contributing to weight loss.
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