Gastroenterologist Yevgeny Belousov has warned against drinking excessive amounts of cheap teabags, explaining that the habit can lead to chronic bone and joint disease. Belousov, a candidate of medical sciences at the AO Medicina clinic in Moscow, issued the warning in comments to Russian news website Lenta.ru.
He explained that tea leaves naturally contain fluoride, and that multi-year abuse of very strong, cheap bagged tea can provoke skeletal fluorosis. The chronic condition causes bones to become brittle, leading to body stiffness, restricted joint mobility, and muscle cramps.
Skeletal fluorosis is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by prolonged excessive accumulation of fluoride in skeletal tissue. Over time, high concentrations of the mineral disrupt normal bone structure and cause abnormal calcification of ligaments, leading to persistent stiffness and reduced physical mobility.
Fluoride Levels in Tea Production
Belousov noted that cheap bagged black and green teas contain the highest levels of fluoride because manufacturers use older tea leaves to produce them. Tea plants naturally absorb fluoride from soil through their roots, storing the mineral in their leaves throughout their growth cycle. As a result, mature leaves harvested for budget tea bags contain far higher concentrations of fluoride than tender young shoots.
In contrast, white tea and high-quality loose-leaf options typically contain lower fluoride levels. White tea is crafted from young buds and tender leaves before they fully mature, while premium loose teas utilize carefully selected top leaves that have spent less time absorbing minerals from the soil.
Belousov emphasized that tea is not inherently harmful when consumed in moderation. Drinking two to four cups a day presents no health risk and can even benefit bone health due to the presence of polyphenols and catechins. These natural plant antioxidants help protect cellular integrity and support bone tissue when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Factors and Daily Limits
The gastroenterologist stressed that health problems arise not from tea itself, but from a habit of drinking large amounts of very strong black or green tea for years alongside a deficiency of calcium and protein in the diet. Calcium naturally binds to fluoride in the digestive tract to form insoluble compounds that the body excretes. When calcium and protein intake is inadequate, the body absorbs a higher proportion of ingested fluoride into the bloodstream and bones.
Belousov previously urged people not to overindulge in tea. In earlier guidance, he advised limiting daily consumption to no more than three to five cups per day.
Belousov practices at AO Medicina, a private healthcare provider in Moscow founded by Academician Grigory Roytberg. The clinic operates comprehensive diagnostic and clinical departments across gastroenterology, joint health, and internal medicine.
