Coca

Coca/Nutrient Depletion:

  • GeneralGeneral: Results of an epidemiologic study concluded that chewing coca leaves was associated with malnutrition (16). Although coca leaves (Erythroxylum coca) have been promoted as a food for deficiencies, based on an analysis, the leaves did not provide nutritional benefits when eaten in the "recommended" quantities (quantity unspecified) (32). The authors concluded that presence of absorbable alkaloids may be potentially harmful and that coca leaves should not be recommended as a food.
  • CopperCopper: In laboratory research, coca leaf tea contained an intermediate level of tannic acid (113). Tannins may inhibit the absorption of metals such as iron, zinc, and copper.
  • IronIron: In laboratory research, coca leaf tea contained an intermediate level of tannic acid (113). Tannins may inhibit the absorption of metals such as iron, zinc, and copper.
  • ZincZinc: In laboratory research, coca leaf tea contained an intermediate level of tannic acid (113). Tannins may inhibit the absorption of metals such as iron, zinc, and copper.