Sources: Strontium is present in sea water and soil. Most foods contain small amounts.

Function: Though usefulness of strontium has not been proven in laboratory testing, it is believed to improve cell structure in bones and teeth. Helping to prevent tooth decay and softening of bones. It is believed to be a mineral that may help prevent osteoporosis, though it is not prescribed as such.

Recommended dosage: Not established.

Contra-indications: None known.

Note concerning radioactive strontium: Radioactive strontium is a by-product of nuclear fission. When released into the environment, this does tend to become concentrated in dairy products. Researchers propose that cancer rates linked to radiation are linked to radioactive strontium and iodine. When radioactive strontium is taken into the body, it is incorporated as described above. Through this process, the result is free radicals, or felt to be the underlying mechanism, leading to cell alteration and cancer.

References:
¹Nielson FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, Hunt JR. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1987;1:394–7.
²Raloff J. Reasons for boning up on manganese. Science News Sep 27, 1986:199.
³Carlisle EM. Silicon localization and calcification in developing bone. Fed Proc 1969;28:374.
⁴McCaslin FE, Janes JM. The effect of strontium lactate in the treatment of osteoporosis. Proc Staff Meetings Mayo Clinic 1959;34(13):329–34.
⁵Alternative Medicine, Definitive Guide to Cancer by Diamond, Cowden and Goldberg, Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., Copyright 1997.