The Effects Of Strontium In Diet

Strontium is a trace mineral that occurs naturally in nature and is present in human bone tissue. Strontium 90 is produced by nuclear fission. It is a by product of nuclear testing and a waste product of spent nuclear fuel, according to the Argonne National Laboratory, ANL. Naturally occurring strontium is used to help prevent osteoporosis and as a dietary supplement, but strontium 90 can pose health risks. Both types of strontium are found in the environment present in the soil, plants and in the water supply.

Increases Bone Mass

Strontium in the diet helps increase bone mass. Strontium is ingested from various food sources including fruits and vegetables. About 30 to 40 percent absorbs into the bloodstream and 31 percent of that is retained by bone tissue, according to the ANL. Strontium supplementation is an effective treatment for osteoporosis and helps build bone mass, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

A placebo controlled study by G.M. Blake and I. Fogelman published in the 2006 issue of "Clinical Interventions in Aging" treated 1,649 postmenopausal women with strontium ranelate supplements or placebo. All the subjects had experienced a previous bone fracture. The group given the strontium supplements had a 41-percent lower risk of vertebral fracture over the placebo group. They concluded that strontium supplements in the diet help reduce risk of fractures and is the only treatment proven to prevent both vertebral and hip fractures in women over 80 years old.

Bone Tumor Risk

Radioactive strontium, also called strontium 90, is found in small amounts everywhere in the environment. Low levels of strontium can be ingested from food, drinking water or even breathing air, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Current levels of strontium 90 in most areas are very low and do not pose a health risk, but excess levels of can cause bone tumors, according to the ANL.

Childhood Bone Growth Problems

Excess stable strontium in children's diets can cause problems with bone growth, according to the CDC. Strontium can have a negative effect on bone if calcium and protein levels are low. Strontium is present in soil and some children may eat soil or ingest higher amounts of strontium in their diets. This can cause problems with growing bones.

In addition, children are more affected by radioactive strontium, strontium 90, than adults because their bones keep strontium 90 for a longer time. Children also drink more milk than adults and milk is the one of the largest sources of strontium 90 in total dietary intake.