Related Terms

• Alkyl tin, aryl tin, blend-a-med Pro-Expert, bronze, canfieldite, cassiterite, Crest® Pro-Health, cylindrite, eallite, metallic tin, methyl tin, native tin, organotin, pewter, Purlytin™, rostaporfin, Sn, SnCl2, SnF2, SnMP, SnO, SnO2, SnPP, stannic, stannite, stannosis, stannous, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, stannsoporfin, stannum (Latin), tin chloride, tin colloid, tin dioxide, tin ethyl etiopurpurin, tin mesoporphyrin, tin oxide, tin protoporphyrin, tin[II] chloride, tin[II]fluoride, tin[II] oxide, tin[IV] dioxide, tributyltin oxide, tricyclohexyltin hydroxide, triethyltin, trimethyltin.

Background

• Tin is a metallic element that forms alloys with other metals, conferring strength and hardness. It is relatively scarce and is not currently mined in the United States.

• Inorganic tin compounds are used in toothpaste, perfumes, processed foods, and soaps. Organic tin compounds are used in plastics, pesticides, paints, wood preservatives, and rodent repellants. In general, organic tin compounds are the product of human activities and do not occur in nature.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for tin. Tin is an ultratrace element in humans. It has been suggested that the amount of tin found in a healthy diet should be the value used to describe appropriate intake. Tin deficiency has been described in animals, but not in humans.

• Daily intakes of tin from air, food, and water are small. The natural content of tin in plant and animal tissues is low. Tin is present in natural water only in trace amounts. Diet is the primary source of tin in humans. The main source of dietary tin is foods that have been stored in tin-lined cans.

• Fluoride prevents cavities due to antibacterial and mineralization properties. Stannous fluoride (tin fluoride) has been used as a vehicle for fluoride in toothpastes and mouthwashes since the 1950s.

• Occupational exposure to some forms of tin may cause lung disease, stomach cancer, and organ damage.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Adrenal tonic, antibiotic, asthma, cancer, dental wound healing (implants), depression, digestion improvement, energy enhancement, fatigue, general health maintenance (reflex enhancement), growth, headache, hearing impairment, insomnia, intestinal parasites, male baldness, mood, overall well being, pain (general), skin care.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for tin. It has been suggested that the amount of tin found in a healthy diet is an appropriate intake.

• Tin has been used as toothpaste, gel, and mouth rinse containing stannous fluoride (tin fluoride), and as toothpaste containing tin and sodium fluoride (Crest® Pro-Health).

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for tin in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to tin or tin-containing products.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Tin is likely safe at the levels normally found in food.

• Although 90% of cans used to package food today are lacquered, storage of canned foods in the original container after opening enhances tin release into the food and should be avoided.

• Although tin mesoporphyrin (SnMP, stannsoporfin) and tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) may be useful in the treatment of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), these compounds are photosensitizing agents and release toxic oxygen species. Long-term safety must be established before they can be used clinically.

• Tin may cause cholangitis of the lower biliary tract, eye irritation, gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal distension and pain, vomiting, and diarrhea), gum damage, headache, kidney problems, liver damage, lower blood levels of iron or vitamin D, slowed growth, nervous system disorders (such as mental problems or brain, spinal cord, and nerve damage), red blood cell disorders (such as anemia or lowered hematocrit or hemoglobin), secondary Fanconi syndrome, skin irritation, or tissue necrosis in periodontal pockets.

• Use caution when administering tin parenterally (through the veins), as this may be toxic and cause kidney damage.

• Avoid chronic or occupational exposure, as inhalation of tin oxide dust or fumes may lead to stannosis or other acute or chronic respiratory disease. Organic tin compounds may also be absorbed through the skin and may affect the central nervous system and cause psychiatric effects ranging from subtle behavioral changes to psychosis. Tin mining my lead to increased risk of gastric cancer.

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Although not well studied in humans, occupational exposure of pregnant women to low levels of tin is associated with increased risk of stillbirth.

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to tin or tin-containing products.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Tin is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

• Although not well studied in humans, occupational exposure of pregnant women to low levels of tin is associated with increased risk of stillbirth.

• Tin mesoporphyrin (SnMP, stannsoporfin) and tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) have been used experimentally to prevent and treat jaundice (yellowing of the skin) in newborns. However, these compounds are also photosensitizing agents and release toxic oxygen species. More high-quality research is needed to determine safety and efficacy.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Tin may alter the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

• Tin compounds may also interact with antibiotics, dental and periodontal agents, agents that affect the immune system, or photosensitizing agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Tin may alter the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high or too low in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.

• Tin compounds may also interact with antibacterials, calcium, copper, D-aspartate, dental and periodontal agents, foods that have been packaged in tin cans, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, iron, L-glutamate, manganese, photosensitizing agents, rubidium, selenium, vitamin D, or zinc.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Blunden S, Wallace T. Tin in canned food: a review and understanding of occurrence and effect. Food Chem Toxicol 2003;41(12):1651-62.View Abstract

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4. Chang LW. The neurotoxicology and pathology of organomercury, organolead, and organotin. J Toxicol Sci 1990;Suppl 4:125-51.View Abstract

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6. Funk JA, Gohlke J, Kraft AD, et al. Voluntary exercise protects hippocampal neurons from trimethyltin injury: Possible role of interleukin-6 to modulate tumor necrosis factor receptor-mediated neurotoxicity. Brain Behav Immun 2011 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print].View Abstract

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9. Niederman R. Stannous fluoride toothpastes reduce the gingival index more than sodium fluoride toothpastes. Evid Based Dent 2007;8(3):74-5.View Abstract

10. Nielsen FH. How should dietary guidance be given for mineral elements with beneficial actions or suspected of being essential? J Nutr 1996;126(9 Suppl):2377S-2385S.View Abstract

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12. Rüdel H. Case study: bioavailability of tin and tin compounds. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2003;56(1):180-9.View Abstract

13. Stephen KW. The value of anti-caries and anti-plaque dentifrices at a community level. Adv Dent Res 1995;9(2):127-8.View Abstract

14. Thrash WJ, Dodds MW, Jones DL. The effect of stannous fluoride on dentinal hypersensitivity. Int Dent J 1994;44(1 Suppl 1):107-18. View Abstract

15. Winship KA. Toxicity of tin and its compounds. Adverse Drug React Acute Poisoning Rev 1988;7(1):19-38. View Abstract