According to "Nihoncha no subete ga wakaru hon" - the first reference book from the Nihoncha Instructor Association, tea catechins can indeed bind to iron. However, it is important to distinguish between iron from plant and animal sources. Iron from plants is more sensitive to tea catechins. Generally, if you have an omnivorous diet, normal tea consumption should not negatively impact your iron levels. As an additional precaution, you can also wait two hours after a meal before drinking tea.
Nevertheless, if you are deficient, it is not recommended to consume different teas and/or coffees in close succession, especially for vegetarians. Furthermore, opt for Hojicha, Genmaicha, or cold-brewed green tea, as they contain few catechins. Since everyone's constitution is different, we can only advise you to gradually try and see what works best for you.
*Please note, while tea leaves are rich in iron, almost none of it is found in the infusion.
Reference: "Nihoncha no subete ga wakaru hon" 2017, ISBN 978-4540081873
