COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS (A, E, AND C) AND IONIC CONTENT (CATIONS & ANIONS) IN FIVE TEA BRANDS (ULTRA STRAWBERRY TEA, COSTA TEA, HABIS TEA, YELLOW LABEL TEA, ALMUFID TEA)

Abstract This study evaluated the vitamin composition, cation, and anion contents of selected commercial tea brands with the aim of assessing their nutritional and health benefits. Five tea samplesUltra Strawberry Tea, Costa Tea, Habis Tea, Yellow Label Tea, and Almufid Teawere analyzed for antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and NH₄⁺), and major anions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, and I⁻). Results revealed considerable variation in vitamin concentrations across the brands, with Habis Tea recording the highest level of Vitamin A (50.00 µg/mL), Yellow Label Tea the highest Vitamin C (15.39 mg/100 g), and Costa Tea the highest Vitamin E (40.00 µg/mL). Cation analysis confirmed the consistent presence of calcium and magnesium ions in all the tea brands, while ammonium ions were absent in Habis, Yellow Label, and Almufid teas. Anion analysis showed that chloride was universally present except in Almufid Tea, bromide was detected in most samples except Costa Tea, and iodide was confirmed in Costa, Yellow Label, and Almufid teas only. These findings highlight that tea is a valuable dietary source of essential vitamins and minerals, though the nutritional contribution differs significantly among brands. The study recommends regular consumption of tea as part of a balanced diet, while consumers should consider brand differences when making choices for specific nutritional benefits.