Tin

Physiological Role
Deficiency Sign
Toxicity

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

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