Does Sea Salt Have Strontium and What Are the Health Implications?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Trace amounts of strontium are found in all sea salts, as seawater naturally contains this element. The exact concentration of strontium, however, can vary significantly depending on the salt's source and processing methods. While the human body absorbs strontium similarly to calcium, the small quantity found in sea salt is not considered a health risk for most people.

Quick Summary

Yes, sea salt naturally contains small quantities of strontium, a trace mineral also found in seawater and rocks. The specific amount varies by harvest location and processing. At typical dietary intake levels, the strontium in sea salt is not harmful to most people's health.

Key Points

Natural Component: Yes, strontium is a natural, trace component of sea salt because it is found in the seawater from which the salt is evaporated.
Safe Dietary Levels: The amount of stable strontium in sea salt is very small and is considered safe for consumption at normal dietary levels for most people.
Concentration Varies: The exact concentration of strontium and other trace minerals in sea salt can vary depending on the geographical origin of the seawater and the salt's processing methods.
Not a Major Source: Most dietary strontium is not from salt but from other food and water sources.
Distinct from Radioactive Strontium: It is important not to confuse naturally occurring stable strontium with radioactive strontium-90, which is a harmful isotope not found in food-grade sea salt.
High-Dose Effects: Health problems related to stable strontium only occur with abnormally high intake, such as in children with very low calcium and protein intake, and are not a risk from typical dietary consumption.

Is Strontium a Natural Component of Sea Salt?

Yes, strontium is a natural component of all sea salt, though typically in very small, trace amounts. As sea salt is produced through the evaporation of seawater, it naturally retains many of the minerals present in the ocean. Strontium, an alkaline earth metal, is a regular macro element found in seawater alongside other minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The concentration of strontium in seawater is relatively consistent, though research has noted slight variations based on location.

The presence of strontium in sea salt is therefore a given, but its quantity is highly dependent on the type of salt and its origin. Factors such as the geological composition of the area where the seawater is sourced and the harvesting process can influence the final mineral profile. For instance, less refined sea salts are more likely to retain a broader spectrum of trace minerals, including strontium, than highly processed varieties.

The Source of Strontium in the Ocean

Strontium enters the ocean primarily through the weathering of rocks and soil. Rivers transport dissolved strontium from the land into the sea, where it mixes with the vast oceanic reservoir. This makes seawater a major natural source of stable strontium. Furthermore, strontium's chemical similarity to calcium means it is readily incorporated into marine organisms and sediment, contributing to its overall presence in the oceanic ecosystem.

Natural Strontium Intake Beyond Sea Salt

While sea salt is one source, the human diet includes strontium from a variety of natural sources, including:

Drinking Water: The strontium content of drinking water varies significantly by region, as it depends on the local geology. Areas with strontium-rich rock formations may have higher concentrations in their water.
Food: Strontium is present in many foods, as it is absorbed from the soil by plants and passed along the food chain. Sources include grains, vegetables, and fish.
Other Salts: Other types of unrefined salts, such as Himalayan pink salt, also contain trace amounts of strontium, along with other minerals that contribute to their unique color and flavor profile.

Health Effects of Strontium in Trace Amounts

For the vast majority of the population, the small amount of stable strontium found in sea salt poses no health risk. The body's absorption and handling of stable strontium are well-documented, with health problems only associated with unusually high doses.

Bone Health: The human body treats stable strontium similarly to calcium, incorporating it into bones and teeth. In large, medically administered doses (such as strontium ranelate for osteoporosis, a substance not available in the U.S.), it can improve bone density. However, the minuscule amounts from dietary salt are not sufficient for this effect.
Overdose and Toxicity: Health issues related to stable strontium are extremely rare and only occur with extremely high, non-dietary exposure levels, or in children with very low calcium and protein intake. These high levels can interfere with normal bone development. This should not be confused with radioactive strontium (like strontium-90), which is a significant health risk but is not present in typical sea salt.

Sea Salt vs. Himalayan Salt: A Mineral Comparison

Here is a comparison highlighting the mineral content of different salts, including strontium.


Mineral	Table Salt (Refined)	Sea Salt (Unrefined)	Himalayan Pink Salt
Sodium Chloride	>99%	~97-98%	~95-97%
Trace Minerals	<1%	Up to 3%	Up to 5%
Strontium	Absent (removed)	Present (trace)	Present (trace)
Magnesium	Absent	Present (trace)	Present (trace)
Potassium	Absent	Present (trace)	Present (trace)
Calcium	Absent	Present (trace)	Present (trace)
Processing	Highly processed to remove minerals	Evaporated from seawater	Mined from ancient seabeds

Conclusion

In summary, yes, sea salt does contain strontium as a natural trace mineral, a remnant of its oceanic origin. The amount, however, is extremely small and varies depending on the salt's source and degree of refinement. For nearly all individuals, the concentration of stable strontium in sea salt is far too low to cause health concerns. While strontium can impact bone health in very high, abnormal doses, the typical dietary intake from sea salt poses no threat and is a normal part of the human diet, with most of our strontium intake coming from other sources like water and vegetables. The decision between different salts, therefore, should be based on factors like flavor, texture, and sodium content rather than the insignificant presence of trace minerals like strontium.

Visit the CDC's page on Strontium to learn more about its health effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Strontium is a naturally occurring alkaline earth metal, similar to calcium. It is found in rocks, soil, and seawater and is present in the human body, with 99% concentrated in bones.

No, the small amount of stable strontium found in sea salt is not harmful to most people when consumed as part of a normal diet. High levels of stable strontium would be needed to cause adverse health effects, which are not attainable through typical dietary salt use.

Other unrefined salts, like Himalayan pink salt, also contain trace amounts of strontium, often in slightly higher concentrations than sea salt. Refined table salt has had these trace minerals, including strontium, removed.

While the body incorporates strontium into bone, the trace amounts found in sea salt are far too low to have a therapeutic effect on bone density. Medical applications involving strontium use much higher, specific doses not found in food.

It is virtually impossible to consume enough sea salt to reach strontium toxicity levels. The primary health risk from excessive salt intake is due to sodium, not the trace mineral content.

Most of our daily strontium intake comes from our drinking water and from food, such as grains and vegetables, which absorb the mineral from the soil.

Yes, the strontium in salt is a stable, non-radioactive isotope. Radioactive strontium (e.g., Strontium-90) is a harmful byproduct of nuclear fission and is a separate health concern not associated with natural salt.