Does Tannic Acid in Coffee cause Ulcers?

Yep, all coffee, De-Caf or full strength has tannic acid. It has mild irritant effect on the digestive tract and can slow peristalsis and (if the coffee is de-caf, can increase constipation) It’s that "mild irritant" thing that most docs recommend avoiding Post-Op for at least 4 to 6 months. Using De-caf instead of Caffinated in that instance, is a bit like switching from Vodka to Scotch is order to avoid getting drunk. At "moderate levels" (around 2 cups a day,) no real ‘ill-effects’ to the digestive tract (once it has healed) are exhibited. "Ulcers? Perhaps at high levels of ingestion. At higher "StarBuck’s Warrior" levels, there is some impact on mineral absorption. High levels of tannic acid can lower the bio-availability of Iron. The astringency counteracts the acidic effect on the iron and impedes absorption. The biggest ‘drawback’ once a person is past the first 6 months and the pouch is totally healed, is the effect of tannic acid on staining the teeth. Red Wine, coffee and Tea all deliver ruthless punishment to one’s bright smile. Toothpaste and regular flossing won’t cut it, and eventually the teeth get that "Perma-Dinge" shadow color. Only bleaching can get them back to looking good. Tannic acid causing ulcerations in post-ops? Because of it’s astringent properties, Externally, tannic acid is used to treat ulcers, toothache and wounds. Check some of it’s "high points" at- http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/tannic-acid.ph p

(and a post above.....) Hope this helps…. Best Wishes- Dx