Tin

I.  Physiological Role

1. Evidence that tin has a biological function
   1. Tin had a growth promoting effect when added to a carefully purified diet fed to rats under extremely clean conditions (This observation was from only one laboratory and has not been confirmed)
   2. Tin, like carbon, can form truly covalent bands
   3. Trivalent tin has a strong tendency to form coordination complexes
   4. The oxidation - reduction potential of Sn⁺² Sn⁺⁴ (-0.13v) is well within the range of physiological oxidation - reduction reactions. (-13v is near the oxidation - reduction potential of flavine enzymes)
   5. Sn induces hemeoxygenase which enhances breakdown of heme in the kidney
2. Sn has been called “an element looking for a role”

II.  Deficiency sign: suboptimal growth (produced in only one laboratory)

III.  Toxicity

1. Individuals who use canned food extensively could be exposed regularly to moderate levels of Sn (100-200 ug/g of diets)
2. Maximum tolerable dietary Sn level has been set at 150 ppm if adequate Fe and Cu are present

Tin — Sn (atomic number 50)

Not an established human vitamin. Cans and industry are the usual exposure story. Not something to seek as a daily pill.

Vitamins, Major Elements, Trace Elements, Toxic Elements

Vitamins

Vitamin A	Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Vitamin B6	Vitamin B12	Vitamin C
Vitamin D	Vitamin E	Vitamin K	Biotin
Folic Acid

Major Elements

Calcium	Magnesium	Phosphorus	Sodium, Potassium, Chloride
Sulfur (Sulfer)

Trace Elements

Boron	Chromium	Cobalt	Copper
Fluorine	Iodine	Iron	Manganese
Molybdenum	Nickel (Nickle)	Selenium	Silicon
Tin	Vanadium	Zinc	Ultra Trace

Toxic Elements

Aluminum	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead
Mercury