STUDIES ON THE INHIBITION OF INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF RADIOACTIVE STRONTIUM. 3. THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF...

Area of Science:

• Radiochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Radioactive strontium (Sr-89) poses health risks due to its absorption and deposition in bone.
• Calcium is essential for bone health, and its absorption should not be compromised when mitigating strontium uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of sodium alginate in selectively suppressing radioactive strontium absorption.
• To assess the impact of sodium alginate on calcium bioavailability.
• To compare sodium alginate with synthetic ion exchange resins for strontium binding.

Main Methods:

• Studies involved measuring bone uptake of Sr-89 and Ca-45 in subjects consuming diets with varying amounts of sodium alginate.
• Long-term studies assessed Sr-89 deposition patterns with continuous sodium alginate intake.
• Sodium alginate was administered as a jelly and in drinking water.

Main Results:

• Sodium alginate administration, particularly as a jelly, significantly reduced Sr-89 uptake by up to 83%.
• The compound effectively prevented constipation, a common issue with other treatments.
• Sodium alginate in drinking water proved effective for low levels of Sr-89 intake.
• Unlike synthetic resins, sodium alginate did not disturb electrolyte balance and maintained efficacy over time.

Conclusions:

• Sodium alginate is a highly effective and safe agent for reducing radioactive strontium absorption in humans.
• Its natural origin, palatability, and lack of adverse effects make it a superior alternative to synthetic ion exchange resins.
• This method allows essential calcium to be available to the body while mitigating strontium risks.