Tannin content of foods commonly consumed in India and its influence on ionisable iron

The tannin content of a number of foods and diets commonly consumed in India has been determined. Most of the tannin in legumes resides in the seed‐coat. Decortication of seeds reduced tannin to a low level with a significant increase in ionisable iron. Germination of the legumes also resulted in a decrease in tannin and an increase in ionisable iron. Diets consumed in different parts of the country had tannin contents ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 g. Much of this appeared to be contributed by spices. A high level of tannin in these foods is associated with low ionisable iron. It is suggested that besides phytates, tannin may be an important factor responsible for the low absorption of iron from habitual diets in India.