Strontium Elevated (Sr)

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What it means?

Strontium (Sr) is chemically similar to calcium, and hair strontium levels often correlate with calcium levels. When Calcium is being expel from the body, usually strontium also show elevated, confirming as calcium bicarbonate which is storage only in the bones, if both are elevated in the hair analysis most probably is bone loss and therefor causes should be funded corrected also calcium supplement should be avoided.

 

Health connections

Strontium is usually not considered toxic in the United States. In trace amounts, some experts view it as potentially beneficial for bone and tooth health. However, strontium excess is rarely reported, except for strontium rickets, a condition thought to result from interference between calcium and strontium.

 

Category

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Examples/Notes

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Similarity to calcium

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Levels in hair often track with calcium status

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False highs

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Hair dyes and perms can artificially raise Sr levels

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Excess-related condition

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Strontium rickets (Ca/Sr interference)

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Nutritional role

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Possible trace nutrient for bone and teeth

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Historical concern

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Negative reputation due to radioactive strontium fallout in the 1950s (nuclear testing)

 

Common sources

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• Natural environment: Soil, groundwater, certain foods (leafy greens, grains, seafood).

• Industrial: Ceramics, glass, fireworks, pyrotechnics.

• Contamination: Hair dyes and perms (most common cause of false highs).

• Medical (beneficial): Strontium salts have been studied for bone health support in some countries.

 

👉 Clinical note:

In most cases, elevated hair strontium reflects external contamination or correlation with calcium rather than a toxic exposure. True strontium toxicity is rare.

 “Strontium often follows calcium patterns in the body, so high levels may simply reflect calcium balance rather than strontium toxicity.

 

Strontium (Low in Hair Analysis)

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Importance

Strontium is a naturally occurring trace element found mainly in bones and teeth. It is chemically similar to calcium and, while not classified as an essential nutrient, it may support bone strength by influencing bone mineralization. In nutritional science, strontium has been studied for its potential role in reducing fracture risk and improving bone density. Hair analysis can reflect long-term tissue levels, but results should be interpreted alongside calcium, magnesium, and other bone-related minerals.

 

Sources

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• Drinking water (natural strontium content varies by region)

• Whole grains

• Root and leafy vegetables

• Seafood (depending on environmental levels)

• Trace amounts in dairy and other foods

 

Symptoms of Low Strontium

There are no well-defined clinical deficiency symptoms, as strontium is not an essential nutrient. However, low levels in hair may suggest reduced mineralization support for bones, especially if calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D are also low.

 

Health Implications

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• Bone health: Strontium works synergistically with calcium in bone. Low strontium may reflect weaker bone support or increased risk of osteoporosis when combined with other mineral imbalances.

• Marker of mineral balance: A low hair strontium result can help clinicians evaluate overall mineral ratios (Ca:Sr, Ca:Mg, Ca:P) important for skeletal health.

• Clinical context: Because strontium deficiency is not an established medical condition, results are best used as part of a broader mineral and bone health assessment.

 

Key Point

Low strontium in hair analysis does not necessarily indicate disease, but it may provide a clue about overall mineral balance and bone health. Supporting calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and general nutrition is usually more important than direct strontium intake.