Nutrition of Strontium

Strontium is a trace mineral found naturally as four stable isotopes. Another form of strontium, strontium-90 or radioactive strontium, is also found in nature and makes its way into the food chain. Strontium-90 is produced by nuclear fission and is a byproduct of nuclear testing and spent radioactive wastes, according to the Argonne National Laboratory. Strontium is absorbed into the body in a similar way to calcium and has many of the same benefits.

Sources

Strontium is found in dairy products. The level of strontium is highest in cheddar cheese and skim milk, with whole milk and cream having lower amounts, according the "Journal of Dairy Science." Strontium is also found in many vegetables, including spinach, carrots, peas, lettuce, beans, potatoes and celery. Grains are a rich source of strontium. The level of strontium in grains is directly affected by the amount of strontium in the soil. Strontium-rich grains include wheat and barley. Seafood, including oysters, mollusks and fish, provides another source of strontium.

Benefits

The nutritional benefits of strontium are similar to those of calcium. Strontium enters the blood stream like calcium and has some of the same effects on the body. Naturally-occurring strontium helps increase bone mass and is used to help prevent osteoporosis. It can be used in tablet form as a dietary supplement. According to the University of Michigan Health System, strontium supplementation helps build bone mass and is used as a treatment for osteoporosis.

Strontium and Children

Both stable and radioactive strontium in children's diets can have negative health effects. Too much stable strontium can cause children to have bone growth problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Children are more vulnerable to radioactive strontium because strontium-90 deposits in growing bone and is kept longer, increasing the length of time the body is exposed to the radioactivity.

Strontium-90 in Diet

Radioactive strontium-90 is found in the same food sources as stable strontium. It is also in the air and water, according to the CDC. Too much strontium-90 in the diet added to low levels in the environment can cause bone tumors, according to the ANL. Current levels of strontium-90 are very low in most areas and do not pose a health risk.