Niacin, thiamin, iron and protein status of humans as affected by the consumption of tea (Camellia sinensis) infusions.

The objective of the project was to determine the effects of tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf beverage consumption on the apparent utilization of niacin, thiamin, and protein in human subjects. During two randomly arranged experimental periods of 14 days each, 10 adult female human subjects were fed a constant (same foods each day), measured, laboratory-controlled diet. Tea was fed during one period while no tea was allowed during the other period. A dehydrated black tea infusion product (instant tea, 8 g/subject/day/dry weight basis) was used which subjects were allowed to dilute in water. Subjects made complete collections of urine and stools. Fasting blood samples were drawn at the end of each experimental period. No effects on protein status were demonstrated. Urinary thiamin losses were depressed with the use of tea but niacin losses were increased. Blood serum concentrations of thiamin diphosphate also were depressed during the tea drinking period as compared to values during the non-tea period. No significant effect on blood serum levels of nicotinaminde or N'-methylnicotinamine were found but values tended to be lower during the tea than the non-tea period. These results suggest that tea consumption inhibits the utilization of thiamin. However, niacin availability was unaffected by tea drinking. Because of the decreased availability of thiamin, the need for niacin was depressed which caused a greater than expected urinary loss of this vitamin.