Strontium is a mineral element with the atomic number 38 that was discovered in 1808 and was named after Strontian, a town in Scotland. It is one of the most abundant
elements on earth, comprising about 0.04 percent of the earth's
crust. At a concentration of 400 parts per million, there is more
strontium in the earth's crust than carbon. Strontium is also the
most abundant trace element in seawater, at a concentration of 8.1
parts per million. The human body contains about 320 mg of strontium,
nearly all of which is in bone and connective tissue.
Because of its
chemical similarity to
calcium, strontium can replace calcium to some extent in various
biochemical processes in the body, including replacing a small
proportion of the calcium in hydroxyapatite crystals of calcified
tissues such as bones and teeth. Strontium in these crystals imparts
additional strength to these tissues. Strontium also appears to draw
extra calcium into bones making them stronger and thicker.
Strontium can relieve
bone pain, reduce fractures and improve mobility in persons
suffering from
osteoporosis, reduce
cavities in teeth and help to gain weight in persons suffering with bone cancer. It also has a a cartilage growth promoting affect which can help
arthritis sufferers.
