WHAT IS TIN?
Tin is a micromineral (or trace element) that is thought to support healthy growth and prevent cancer. In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in more detail.
WHEN WAS TIN DISCOVERED?
Awareness of tin alloys dates back to biblical times with a number of references to this element in the Old Testament. Early alchemists (an ancient practice concerned with the transformation of other metals into gold) were also aware of tin and gave the element an alchemical symbol. It is thought to have first been extracted and used at the beginning of the Bronze Age around 3000 B.C.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE TIN?
An average human body stores around 16 milligrams (mg) of tin. Since tin has only recently been considered an essential nutrient in humans its exact role in the body is not clear. However, the available research suggest it may be responsible for the following functions:
– Increasing your energy levels.
– Enhancing your mood.
– Enhancing your reflexes.
– Preventing cancer.
– Preventing digestive problems.
– Preventing skin problems.
– Preventing sleep problems.
– Supporting healthy growth.
– Supporting proper hearing.
– Supporting the adrenal gland (which release hormones related to stress).
HOW MUCH TIN DO YOU NEED?
There is currently no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for tin. An average person’s diet contains between 1mg and 3mg of this nutrient which is thought to be adequate.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN TIN?
Currently there is little information available on the amount of tin in specific foods. Tin is sometimes present in tinned foods which can legally contain up to 20mg per 100 grams (g). However, most tinned foods contain much less than this.
It can also be found in fresh fruits, meats and vegetables. The amount found in these foods depends largely on the concentration of tin in the area where the food was produced. On average fruits, meats and vegetables are thought to contain 0.1mg of tin per 100g.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH TIN? recommend
Whilst there is no official upper limit (UL) on tin consumption, ingesting up to 13mg per day is thought to be safe. Exceeding this limit may cause:
– Destruction of red blood cells.
– Diarrhea.
– Headaches.
– Nausea.
– Skin rashes.
– Stomach pain.
– Vomiting.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH TIN?
Since the functions of tin in the human body are still not clear there are no confirmed deficiency symptoms. However, failing to get enough of this nutrient may lead to the following negative side effects:
– Asthma.
– Depression.
– Hair loss.
– Headaches.
– Insomnia.
– Left sided heart problems.
– Low adrenals (a condition where the adrenal gland fails to produce adequate hormones).
TIN SUMMARY
There is still a lot to learn about tin but it does appear to support good health, particularly when it comes to hormones. Until more research is available I hope this article has given you a good overview of tin.
Now I want to hear your thoughts. Did you know tin had a role to play in human health? Were you aware certain natural foods contained tin? Let me know by leaving a comment.
Sources:
Health Benefits of Tin (Steady Health)
Tin (Best Home Remedies)
Tin (Cellular Nutrition)
Tin (Chiff)
Tin (NutriHerb)
Tin (Web Elements)