Vitamins & Supplements

Black Tea

What are the risks of taking black tea?

Drinking black tea in moderate amounts is generally safe for most people. Drinking large amounts of black tea, or more than four or five cups a day, may cause health problems. That's mostly because of caffeine-related side effects.

Side effects of black tea may include:

• Anxiety and difficulty sleeping
• Faster breathing
• Headache
• Increased urination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness and restlessness
• Ringing in the ears
• Tremors

Combining black tea with other types of caffeine or a product called ephedra can be very dangerous. Some of the problems it can cause include jitteriness, increased blood pressure, heart rate changes, seizures, and passing out.

Black tea or black tea supplements may interfere with other medicines and supplements you are taking. Some medicines can cause caffeine to stay in your body longer than usual. Talk to your doctor to see if medicines you are taking may have this effect.

Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications and your health conditions. The caffeine in black tea may also interfere with certain blood tests. Tell your doctor if you drink a lot of black tea.

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.