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Nutrition Diva

Everything you need to know about mineral absorption

Ep. 864

864.Does putting spinach in your smoothie cancel out the calcium? Will your morning cup of tea prevent you from absorbing iron? In this episode, Monica looks into the science of mineral absorption and explores the truth behind "anti-nutrients" like oxalates, tannins, and fiber.


While certain compounds in food can bind to minerals—like the oxalates in spinach or tannins in tea—the body has built-in buffers to keep you healthy. In this episode, we discuss:

  • The Spinach paradox: Why the calcium in greens isn't always bioavailable.
  • Iron inhibitors: How coffee and tea affect iron levels (and how Vitamin C can help).
  • The fiber myth: Why a high-fiber diet won't lead to mineral deficiencies.
  • Fortified foods vs. supplements: Is calcium-fortified orange juice or soymilk better than a pill?

The good news is the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) already accounts for these interactions. Tune in to learn why a varied diet is your best defense and why you probably don't need to micromanage your meals to get the minerals you need.


Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.

New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! 

We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age


Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com

Find Monica at wellnessworkshere.com


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