Indications
Tin is a trace mineral found in small amounts in food. In medicines it appears only as a minor ingredient of some multivitamin and multimineral supplements, which are used to support general nutrition, for example during illness, recovery, poor diet or old age. It is not used on its own to treat any condition, and no tin deficiency disease is known in people.
How It Works
The body takes in very small amounts of tin from food. Its exact role in the human body is not clearly established. In combination supplements, the benefit comes mainly from the other vitamins and minerals in the product.
Dosage and Administration
Take the combination product exactly as the label or the doctor advises, usually one tablet or capsule a day after a meal. Do not take more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless a doctor advises. Children should use only products made for their age.
Interactions
No important interactions are known for tin at supplement levels. However, multimineral products also contain iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, which reduce the absorption of Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Levothyroxine. Take those medicines at least 2 to 4 hours apart from the supplement.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
- Conditions in which another ingredient must be avoided, such as iron overload (for products with iron) or high blood calcium (for products with calcium or vitamin D). Check the full ingredient list with a pharmacist.
Side Effects
Multivitamin and mineral supplements are usually well tolerated. Some people get mild nausea, stomach upset, constipation or dark stools (from iron) and harmless bright yellow urine (from vitamin B2).
Get urgent medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash.
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, use a supplement made for that purpose or one advised by a doctor. Some general multivitamins contain high amounts of vitamin A, which should be avoided in pregnancy.
Precautions and Warnings
- Supplements do not replace a balanced diet or treatment of the cause of poor health.
- Tell the doctor about any supplements you take, especially if you have kidney or liver disease.
- Avoid taking several products with the same vitamins or minerals together.
Overdose
The amount of tin in a supplement is very small. The main danger of overdose comes from other ingredients, especially iron, which can be very harmful to young children. If a child swallows several tablets, get medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Vitamins and minerals (trace element).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.