Tin, symbol= Sn. Latin for stannum)-A white metallic element. The nutritional value of tin in the human has yet to be established. Although tin is found in natural foods, as well as in foils, cans, cooking utensils, etc. no known requirment exists. In rats, it has been established that a lack of tin in the diet affects growth. However, in humans this has not been clinically proven. Note that there are many circumstances in nature, whereby other animals require a substance that humans have no need for. Threfore, it would be unwise to take tin until the contrary has been proven. Nevertheless, we receive tin through consumption of foods, as well as through man-made means (cans, foil, etc.)

RDA of tin

As we learned above, there is no established human requiremebt for tin. In case we are mistaken, some "multivitamins" include tin as a component. Depending on location, cultural dietary norms and other factors, consumption of tin varies considerably. Ingestion of tin increases with processed foods and those contained in tin cans and foil. In modern times, food manufactures have tried to decrease the amount of tin by lacquer coating cans, and using other coatings. These methods are not perfect, but help to reduce the amounts that we would get otherwise. The absorption of tin is poor in the gut and most is passes through with the faeces.