EXPLORATION OF STRONTIUM UPTAKE BY BONE AND SOFT TISSUES USING STABLE ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Strontium, like calcium, is a bone-seeking element present in our diet. Both elements have similar chemical and physiological properties. High doses of strontium are known to reduce fracture risk. A tracer study in sheep revealed that bone-seeking tracers (Ca-41 and Sr-86) are incorporated into the bone matrix by remodeling processes favoring trabecular bone and that changes in net bone balance over time can be assessed using strontium stable isotopes at a sensitivity that surpasses established calcium tracer techniques. Effects of therapeutic doses of strontium on bone have been evaluated in a rat study where it was found that excessive strontium intakes result in significant strontium deposition in the kidneys, heart and lungs which may explain side effects observed very recently for strontium therapy. Habitual dietary intake of strontium in Singaporeans was found to be less than 1% of the therapeutic dose.