| dc.description.abstract | Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health issue in developing countries. It is associated
with unique nutritional requirements as well as risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Some of
the foods and drinks ingested during pregnancy have been known to affect the absorption
of much needed micronutrients and consequently compromise the health of both the
mother and the growing foetus. There is scientific evidence to suggest that tannins and
phytates in tea and in cereal-based foods inhibit iron absorption and predispose the
mother to iron-deficiency disorders such as anaemia and predispose the unborn infant
to low-birth weight. In Kenya, the most predominantly grown and consumed tea type
is black tea. Studies have shown that consumption of black tea with meals can decrease
iron absorption by up to 50%. Purple tea is reported to contain anthocyanins, which have
antioxidant effects that provide anticancer benefits, improve vision, and better cholesterol
and blood sugar metabolism. If purple tea is to be preferred to the traditional black
tea, one has to ascertain that the iron inhibiting tannins are either in low quantities or
altogether absent from the purple tea. Eating and drinking habits among pregnant women
may exacerbate anaemia prevalence and or other more serious foetal problems. This paper
discusses the feeding habits of a pregnant adolescent population and assesses the possible
effects of tea drinking on iron absorption and maternal health. The paper found out that
black tea drinking in pregnancy, and during meals, is rampant and negatively affects iron
absorption. Knowledge about the health benefits of purple tea is not only scanty and
where (the knowledge) is available the tea is not readily available for purchase. The paperrecommends awareness of nutrition education to improve the feeding habits. | en_US |
