The present invention relates to a water-absorbing composition comprising water-absorbing polymer structures, on the surface of which is at least one tannin fraction which has a number-average molecular weight, determined in accordance with the test method described herein, of at least 1,000 g/mol, which has a weight-average molecular weight, determined in accordance with the test method described herein, of at least 1,000 g/mol, or which is a hydrolysable gallotannin.;The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a water-absorbing composition, the water-absorbing composition obtainable by this process, a composite, a process for the production of a composite, the composite obtainable by this process, chemical products, such as, for example, hygiene articles, the use of a water-absorbing composition or of a composite and the use of a tannin fraction.
