Alimentary strontium intake: first results in Germany

<(Aim)under bar>: Although international data concerning alimentary strontium intake are available, no investigation has yet been done in Germany. Therefore, the intake via nourishment of adults in Germany was studied using the duplicate portion technique, <(Subjects and methods)under bar>: The study was carried out in fourteen towns of the Eastern parts of Germany, in which volunteers, at least 7 women and 7 men for each town. collected all foods and beverages over seven consecutive days. <(Results)under bar>: The mean strontium content of consumed food and beverages was 3.5 - 12 mg/kg dry matter with no significant differences between women and men. The average strontium intake was 1.1 - 4.5 mg/day with higher values in 1988 and lower values in 1992 and 1996. <(Conclusion)under bar>: The alimentary strontium intake in Germany compared to international data is normal and any health risks caused from the observed intake can be excluded. Since the necessity of this element for humans remains unproven, the intake level could not be compared to recommended range for a safe and adequate dietary level.