Strontium: Sources, Benefits & Role in Bone Health

Strontium is a trace mineral that can be found in the body. Most people have about 300 to 350 mg of the mineral, with 99 percent of it being in bones and teeth. Strontium bears a chemical resemblance to calcium and can displace it at times. Strontium can improve the cellular makeup of bones and teeth by preventing tooth decay or soft bones. It has not been proven that low strontium can cause these negative outcomes.

Soil and Marine Life

• Because strontium is a trace mineral, it is found in small concentrations in a variety of places. The mineral is highly prevalent in the soil, so virtually every type of food will have at least a minute amount of strontium. Also, Strontium is found often in seawater.

Foods low in Strontium

• Corn has about 0.4 ppm (parts per million) and oranges are also scarce in the mineral.

Foods high in Strontium

• Among the foods highest in Strontium are cabbage (45 ppm), onions (50 ppm) and lettuce (74 ppm)