What foods are rich in strontium?

Foods Containing Strontium

The richest dietary sources of strontium are dairy products, seafood (particularly marine fish), vegetables, and fruits, with dairy products and calcium-rich foods being the most significant contributors to daily strontium intake.

Primary Food Sources

Dairy Products

• Dairy products are the single most important source of dietary strontium, contributing approximately 35% of total daily intake 1
• Fermented milk products contain strontium ranging from 0.21 to 0.79 mg/kg (mean 0.44 mg/kg) 2
• The strontium-to-calcium ratio in milk beverages and yogurts is approximately 0.32 mg Sr per 1 g Ca 2
• Milk, yogurt, and cheese should be considered primary strontium sources in the diet 3, 1

Seafood and Marine Fish

• Marine smoked fish contains significantly higher strontium levels than dairy products, ranging from 0.02 to 4.63 mg/kg (mean 1.16 mg/kg) 2
• The strontium-to-calcium ratio in smoked fish is 12 times higher than in dairy products (3.84 mg Sr per 1 g Ca) 2
• Seafood was a significant dietary source in historical coastal populations, with evidence showing inclusion from early childhood 4
• Fish and shellfish provide not only strontium but also other minerals including calcium 5

Vegetables and Fruits

• Vegetables and fruits collectively contribute approximately 32% of daily strontium intake 1
• Specific vegetables like broccoli absorb strontium when cooked in water containing the element, with 33-64% of strontium transferring from cooking water to food 6
• Leafy green vegetables and other plant-based foods contain strontium in amounts correlating with their calcium content 1

Grains and Legumes

• Lentils absorb strontium during cooking in strontium-containing water 6
• Whole grains and pasta (such as spaghetti) take up strontium when prepared with water containing the element 6
• Grains contribute to overall dietary strontium intake, though less significantly than dairy or vegetables 1

Important Dietary Considerations

Correlation with Calcium Content

• Strontium content in foods shows a highly significant correlation with calcium content 1
• Foods rich in calcium are typically also rich in strontium due to the chemical similarity between these elements 2
• This relationship means calcium-rich foods like dairy products naturally contain higher strontium levels 1

Water-Prepared Foods

• Cooking foods in water containing strontium significantly increases dietary strontium exposure 6
• Foods prepared in tap water with dissolved strontium (at levels of 1.5,10, and 50 mg/L) absorb substantial amounts of the element 6
• This water-to-food transfer should be considered when assessing total dietary strontium exposure 6

Average Daily Intake

• The average daily strontium intake in industrialized countries is approximately 1.9 mg per person per day 1
• This intake level is considered safe and within normal ranges for developed nations 1
• No special dietary concerns regarding strontium have been identified at typical consumption levels 1

Clinical Context

Relationship to Bone Health

• Low doses of strontium (0.19-0.40% strontium chloride) can stimulate bone formation without altering bone resorption 7
• At appropriate levels, strontium increases trabecular bone volume by approximately 10% 7
• However, higher doses (0.40%) may cause slight defective bone mineralization 7

Practical Implications

• Strontium from dietary sources is easily absorbed into systemic circulation when ingested with water or foods 6
• The element is present in the diet as a salt or ionized divalent cation 6
• Dietary strontium exposure occurs throughout life, beginning in early childhood 4