We investigated the antinutritional effect of white
tea extract (0, 15, and 45 mg of the
tea solid extract per kilogram
body weight) incorporated in the
drinking water of rats for 3 and 30 days. Gender-based differences were found for all these variables, except apparent
protein digestibility and the apparent absorption of
calcium,
phosphorus, and
iron. White
tea extract consumption did not significantly
change body weight gain, food intake, food efficiency,
protein efficiency ratio, apparent
protein digestibility,
nitrogen balance, or the apparent absorption of
calcium,
phosphorus,
magnesium, and
zinc. Nevertheless, the apparent absorption of
iron was slightly (15-18%) but significantly (P<0.05) lower in rats that consumed white
tea at the highest dose compared with the control groups at both 3 and 30 days. Our results suggest that the usual consumption of white
tea is safe, although its effect on long-term
iron absorption at high doses warrants more detailed investigation.