Not long ago, it wasn't known for sure whether
tin (Sn) is a
nutrient essential to our health, or not. Nowadays, this
micro-mineral is
classified as essential, not only because our body has cell receptors for it,
and contains minute but always present amounts, but also because it has
been linked to some important body functions.
Still, tin as a nutrient is fairly
obscured, and probably needs more attention with respect to the specifics of its
food intake and the relating health effects.
Known importance of tin stems primarily from it supporting the
function of adrenal gland - one of the key glands in your body. Since adrenal
gland controls cardiac function, tin deficiency can result in cardiac
insufficiency; also breathing difficulties,
asthma, fatigue and depression.
Excessive tin intake can result in digestive problems, nausea,
skin rush and headache.
There is no established DRI (Dietary
Reference Intakes,
the most recent set of dietary recommendations set by the government) for tin,
and data about its general intake and deficiency/excess patterns are scarce and
inconclusive. Suggested adequate daily intake for an average healthy adult is
10mg-20mg.
Tin sources are canned foods, as well as a variety of
foods of plant and animal origin.
