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It is a fair question with a reassuring answer. Milk can bind to some of the antioxidant compounds in tea, but the research is mixed and the difference in real life is minor. Your splash of milk is not cancelling out your cup.
What actually happens
Polyphenols in tea can attach to the proteins in milk, the caseins. Some studies suggest this reduces how many are available to the body; others find little meaningful change. As things stand, the effect is real but small and not settled. See Wikipedia: green tea and Wikipedia: tea.
The practical takeaway
If antioxidants are what you drink tea for, green and white teas are normally taken without milk anyway. For everyday black tea, the modest effect of milk is not worth worrying about, the benefits of tea are modest to begin with, and enjoyment matters more than chasing a marginal number.
FAQ
Does milk ruin tea's health benefits? No; it may slightly reduce how much antioxidant is available, but the effect is small and uncertain.
Should I drink my tea black to keep the antioxidants? Only if you prefer it; green and white teas are naturally milk-free.
Does it matter for hydration? No, milky tea still hydrates.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Sources
Related
Shop the green tea range or the full tea shop (free UK postage over £35).
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