Assessment of Micronutrients Content of Some Locally Consumed Tea samples in Kano

Abstract

Micronutrients are nutrients required for the normal metabolism of all life forms. Micronutrient content (Fe, Zn, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C) of some locally consumed tea samples (Black tea, green tea, cinnamon tea, Moringa tea, and mint tea) was investigated. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques were used in the analysis of the respective micronutrients. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of results and showed that the aforementioned micronutrients are contained in the sampled teas except mint tea, which does not contain Zn at all. Vitamin A was found to be within the range of 0.21±0.01 – 0.83±0.01 ppb; vitamin C (0.83±0.01 – 6.82±0.05 ppm); Fe (1.99±0.01 – 9.99±0.14 ppm) and Zn (0.00 – 2.10±0.10 ppm). It can therefore be concluded that some of the aforementioned locally consumed tea samples contain micronutrient levels that fall within the range of the recommended daily need by humans, while others fall short of the range and therefore could be explored as part of the strategies to be considered in designing how to tackle micronutrient deficiency disorders.