Green tea consumption does not adversely affect kidney function and haematological parameters

Abstract

It is well established that green tea consumption is associated with many health benefits. These benefits include anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidant, anti-atherogenic and anti-obesity effects. However, there are limited studies have investigated the direct effect of green tea consumption on renal function and haematological parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of green tea consumption on kidney function, red cell count, haemoglobin, white cell and platelet counts in healthy human subject. Ten healthy human volunteers (5 females and 5 males) consumed three cups/day (200 mls per cup) of green tea for a period of four weeks. Kidney function and haematological parameters were analysed at the end of weeks 1, 2 and 4. Our data indicated that green tea consumption does not adversely alter renal function as assessed by serum creatinine concentration, serum urea concentration and glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, full blood count parameters remained within the normal reference interval and numbers remained unaffected. This study demonstrated that green tea consumption is not associated with adverse effects on kidney function and haematological parameters.