Recent research indicates that moderate tea consumption may offer protective benefits for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A study published in the journal Renal Failure explored the relationship between tea intake and death rates among CKD patients. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which assesses the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States through interviews and physical examinations.

What the Researchers Did

The research team, led by Dr. Jin Li from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, analyzed data from NHANES from the period spanning 1999 to 2018. The study focused on 17,575 participants diagnosed at different stages of CKD. 

The focus of the analysis included such details as:

• Frequency of tea drinking (number of cups per day)
• Types of tea, categorized as either:
  • Oxidized (black) tea, or
  • Other teas (herbal teas, infusions, and presweetened teas)

• Cause of death, categorized as:
  • All-cause mortality (death from any cause), or 
  • Death from cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Over the course of the follow-up period, there were 5,835 recorded deaths, 1,823 of which were related to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What They Found

The study found that CKD patients who were regular tea drinkers saw a significant reduction in their risk of death from all causes, compared to non-tea drinkers. Specifically:

• In stages 1 and 2:
  • The most benefits were seen in those consuming up to 4 cups of tea daily.
  • Drinking just one additional cup of oxidized tea was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes.
  • Substituting one cup of oxidized tea for ONE cup of green tea was also linked with a significantly lower risk for all-cause mortality.
• In stages 3 to 5:
  • An increase of one cup of unsweetened tea per day was linked to lower all-cause mortality.
  • One additional cup of green tea daily was associated with higher CVD mortality.

What It Means

According to the study authors, these findings suggest that moderate tea consumption, particularly black varieties, may benefit people with early-stage CKD. They recommend that CKD patients limit their tea intake to no more than four cups daily—depending on their fluid restrictions—and opt for oxidized, sugar-free teas to maximize potential health benefits. 

Consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

*Gotkine, E. (2025, January 20). Study shows tea consumption can lower mortality in chronic kidney disease. MedicalXpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-tea-consumption-mortality-chronic-kidney.html#google_vignette 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.