[Determination of intestinal strontium absorption--assessment and validation of routinely manageable test procedures]

Intestinal strontium absorption has been discussed recently as an indirect measure for calcium uptake. Prerequisite for the clinical use of an oral strontium test is the availability of a reliable procedure including controlled strontium supply, sample pretreatment and analysis as well as the assessment of normal values. In the present study, a group of young females (n = 33; 24.0 +/- 2.7 y; BMI 21.5 +/- 1.9) received an oral dose of 2.27 mmol strontium in a standardized breakfast that contained 0.625 mmol calcium. Before and 220 min after the bolus serum strontium concentrations were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (coefficient of variation: within day 4.8%, n = 10; day-to-day 9.5%, n = 8). The error of the method was 2.7%. Calculation of the fractional strontium absorption rate considered the respective distribution volume (extracellular fluid; either estimated using body weight or determined by means of bioimpedance analysis [BIA]). Average absorption rates were 13.3 +/- 3.1% and, considering BIA measurement 13.6 +/- 2.6%, respectively. Smoking, exercise and, use of oral contraceptives showed no effects. Our oral strontium test is characterized by excellent reliability, easy handling and low costs and, thus, is suitable for routine use.