Tannic acid uses

Tannic Acid Supplements

Tannic acid as oral supplements or ointments are available without prescription (over-the-counter).

Tannic Acid Health Benefits

Tannic acid supplements are POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE in the prevention or treatment of cold sores and fever, diaper rash, prickly heat and sunburn ^[1].

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE about the effectiveness of tannic acid supplements in the prevention or treatment of cancer, ingrown toenails, sore throat, poison ivy, swollen tonsils and thinning gums ^[1].

Tannic Acid Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Tannic acid may be UNSAFE when applied to the skin to treat cold sores, diaper rash, prickly heat or sunburn ^[1].

Oral tannic acid supplements may cause kidney or liver damage ^[1].

Not enough is known about the safety of tannic acid supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women in these periods should avoid them. ^[1].

Tannic Acid-Drug Interactions

Tannic acid supplements can inhibit the absorption of iron from foods ^[2,3] and certain oral supplements and drugs and may decrease their effectiveness ^[1].

Tannic acid uses, side effects WebMD
Bohn L et al, 2008, Phytate: impact on environment and human nutrition. A challenge for molecular breeding PubMed Central
Brune M et al, 1989, Iron absorption and phenolic compounds: importance of different phenolic structures PubMed