Why should tea consumption be separated from iron supplement intake?

Antioxidants in tea bind with iron and lessen its absorption

Green tea contains specific antioxidants that bind with iron molecules during the digestive process. This binding prevents the iron from being properly absorbed by the body, thereby reducing the intended nutritional benefit of the iron supplement. To maximize the absorption of iron, it is advised to wait at least two hours after taking an iron supplement before consuming green or black tea.