Overview

Strontium is a silvery metal found naturally as a non-radioactive element. About 99% of the strontium in the human body is concentrated in the bones.

Several different forms of strontium are used as medicine. Scientists are testing strontium ranelate to see if it can be taken by mouth to treat thinning bones (osteoporosis) and arthritis. Radioactive strontium-89 is given intravenously (by IV) for prostate cancer and advanced bone cancer. Strontium chloride hexahydrate is added to toothpaste to reduce pain in sensitive teeth.

Strontium chloride is the most common form of strontium found in dietary supplements. People use supplements for building bones. But there isn't much scientific information about the safety or effectiveness of strontium chloride when taken by mouth.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Silvery metal found naturally as a non-radioactive element

Primary Functions:

Building bones

Also Known As:

Atomic number 38, Chlorure de Strontium, Chlorure de Strontium-89, Citrate de Strontium

How Does It Work?

A special form of strontium called strontium ranelate can increase bone formation and prevent bone loss when used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It's not known if strontium contained in dietary supplements has these effects.

A radioactive form of strontium may kill some cancer cells. This type of strontium is not available in dietary supplements.

There is some interest in using strontium for osteoarthritis because developing research suggests it might boost the formation of collagen and cartilage in joints.

There is also interest in studying strontium for preventing tooth decay because researchers have noticed fewer dental caries in some population groups who drink public water that contains relatively high levels of strontium.

Uses

• Sensitive teeth. Research shows that using strontium chloride with strontium acetate in toothpaste relieves pain in sensitive teeth. Brushing twice daily seems to work best.
• Bone pain related to cancer. Research shows that a special prescription form of strontium (strontium-89 chloride) given intravenously (by IV) reduces pain from metastatic bone cancer.

• Osteoporosis ("bone thinning").Research shows that taking strontium ranelate by mouth reduces the risk of fractures and increases bone density in people with osteoporosis. Strontium ranelate is approved as a medicine in Europe for this condition. But it can cause serious side effects. So other treatments are usually used instead. Strontium ranelate is not available in the U.S.

• Osteoarthritis. Some research shows that taking strontium ranelate helps prevent arthritis of the spine from becoming worse. Taking strontium ranelate also seems to decrease pain, stiffness, and loss of cartilage in people with arthritis of the knee.
• Prostate cancer. Some research shows that giving a special prescription form of strontium (strontium-89 chloride) intravenously (by IV) slows the growth of prostate cancer that is resistant to treatment and also relieves pain.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

• For sensitive teeth: Two formulations of strontium have been used. Strontium acetate 8% has been used twice daily for up to 8 weeks. Strontium chloride 10% (Hyposen by Lege Artis Pharma GmbH) has been used for up to 6 months.
• For osteoporosis (thinning bones): 0.5-2 grams of strontium ranelate has been taken daily for up to 10 years. The highest dose of 2 grams daily seems to work the best.
• For ostearthritis: 1-2 grams of strontium ranelate has been taken daily for up to 3 years.

BY IV

• For bone pain related to cancer. Healthcare providers administer strontium through the vein for bone pain due to cancer.
• Prostate cancer. Healthcare providers administer strontium through the vein for prostate cancer.

Strontium Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best strontium supplement?

By Jarrow Formulas, Makers of Bone-Up®

Most of the data on strontium as a bone-building compound comes from its usage as a drug in Europe (as strontium ranelate). Strontium citrate, available as a dietary supplement in the US, is being marketed as a natural strontium source.

What does strontium do to bones?

In animal models, strontium ranelate both slows bone breakdown (resorption) and increases new bone formation. In humans, it increases bone mineral density, improves bone microarchitecture (an indicator of bone strength), and decreases the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

What are the benefits of strontium?

The most current research has revealed that strontium has six distinct benefits, including:

• Increases Calcium Absorption. It's well known that calcium is vital for strong bones.
• Boosts Bone Formation.
• Regulates Bone Breakdown.
• Improves Resistance to Fracture.
• May Prevent Bone Pain.
• Helps Restore Alkaline State.

Are strontium supplements safe?

Strontium is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts found in food. The typical diet includes 0.5-1.5 mg of strontium per day. Strontium ranelate might cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache in some people. Taking very high doses of strontium by mouth is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.

Does strontium increase bone density?

In animal models, strontium ranelate both slows bone breakdown (resorption) and increases new bone formation. In humans, it increases bone mineral density, improves bone microarchitecture (an indicator of bone strength), and decreases the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

What are the side effects of strontium?

Strontium ranelate might cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache in some people. Taking very high doses of strontium by mouth is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. High doses of strontium might damage the bones.

How much strontium can I take daily?

Dietary strontium is estimated at 2-4 mg/day from vegetables and grains (Nielsen 2009 Bone 35(3) 583-8). The typical strontium supplement dosage (680 mg) is 170-340 times the naturally occurring strontium levels in the human diet per day.

Why strontium is not good for bone health?

Because strontium atoms are heavier than calcium atoms, swapping some of the calcium atoms with strontium atoms will make the bone mineral density appear to increase. Research from Europe suggests that patients on strontium ranelate may have increased risk of heart attacks and blood clots.

Should you take strontium with calcium?

Strontium has a chemical similarity to calcium and will replace calcium as the mineral in bone. Because strontium atoms are heavier than calcium atoms, swapping some of the calcium atoms with strontium atoms will make the bone mineral density appear to increase.

How do you get strontium in your diet?

Strontium is a mineral found in seawater and soil. In your diet, you get it mainly from seafood, but you can also get small amounts of it in whole milk, wheat bran, meat, poultry, and root vegetables. Strontium is similar to calcium.

Can you take strontium with food?

You should take strontium on an empty stomach. Ideally an hour before, or three hours after eating. Calcium, however, should be taken with a meal as food increases its absorption rates.

Can strontium cause kidney stones?

The amount of strontium and apatite in kidney stones is correlated. Strontium in the form of strontium ranelate interacts with hydroxyapatite. In many situations it can increase bone mineral density and decrease fractures in high risk individuals.

Is strontium citrate good for bones?

Over-the-counter supplements containing strontium citrate are available in the US, which is being widely self-administered by patients to improve bone density. SrR has been shown in vivo and in vitro studies to simultaneously decrease bone resorption and increase bone formation.

Which foods contain strontium?

Strontium is a mineral found in seawater and soil. In your diet, you get it mainly from seafood, but you can also get small amounts of it in whole milk, wheat bran, meat, poultry, and root vegetables.

Does strontium citrate cause blood clots?

Strontium citrate and strontium chloride are supplements and are not tested or regulated by the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA). Research from Europe suggests that patients on strontium ranelate may have increased risk of heart attacks and blood clots.

How long does strontium stay in the body?

 (Strontium may remain in the bones for as long as 7–10 years after the last dose.) Strontium has a chemical similarity to calcium and will replace calcium as the mineral in bone.

Is strontium harmful to humans?

There are no harmful effects of stable strontium in humans at the levels typically found in the environment. The only chemical form of stable strontium that is very harmful by inhalation is strontium chromate, but this is because of toxic chromium and not strontium itself.

Is strontium flammable?

Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts readily with water releasing flammable hydrogen gas. Conditions to Avoid: Avoid contact with water or moist air and possible ignition sources such as sparks or flame. Hazardous Decomposition Products: Strontium oxides, strontium hydroxides, hydrogen gas.

Is strontium a metal or nonmetal?

An alkaline earth metal, strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element that is highly chemically reactive. The metal forms a dark oxide layer when it is exposed to air. Strontium has physical and chemical properties similar to those of its two vertical neighbors in the periodic table, calcium and barium.

 

Clinical Studies