Strontium Supplements Benefits, Uses, Dosages & Side Effects

Strontium is a natural elemental metal that is similar to calcium. Strontium can mimic some of the activities of calcium inside the body.

Some dietary supplements that contain strontium are claimed to increase bone mineral density, bone volume and bone thickness.

Some clinical evidence shows that this mineral can benefit postmenopausal women with histories of osteoporosis. However, more research is necessary to determine clinical effectiveness in bone and joint conditions, and for other proposed uses. [1][2]

This article will review the literature pertaining to the current uses, possible health benefits, safety and interactions of strontium supplements.

Strontium

Mineral Supplement

Bone Health

Dental Health

Post-Menopause

How It Works:

• Slows down bone loss
• Supports bone density in post-menopausal women
• Helps with sensitive teeth

Dosage:

Between 100 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Strontium Supplement Uses

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that people use oral strontium supplements mainly for preventing and treating osteoporosis (brittle, fragile bones).

Strontium citrate dietary supplements are also used for: [4]

• Osteoarthritis (joint/cartilage degeneration);
• Preventing dental caries;
• Metastatic cancer;
• Sensitive teeth;
• Bone pain;
• Seizures;
• Cough;

In some cases, doctors have used liquid strontium intravenously to treat prostate cancer and skeletal metastases. Strontium hexahydrate is included in toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth.

How does Strontium work Inside the Body?

Currently, strontium is not classified as a nutrient. The body can absorb this mineral into bone tissue, like it does calcium.

Strontium mimics calcium, and the body can use it in some of the same manners as it uses calcium. [4]

Some dietary supplements that contain strontium are marketed for purposes of building and strengthening bones.

This element appears to increase absorption of calcium into bones, and is included in small amounts in some calcium supplements. Strontium citrate is the form most commonly used in supplement manufacturing. [4]

Strontium ranelate is a form of Sr that is an approved prescription drug in Australia and Europe. Several clinical trials have shown that this form of strontium improves bone mineral density, and decreases the risk for fractures. [4]

Strontium Research

Some researchers have suggested that strontium ranelate can slow down bone loss (resorption), similar to bisphosphonates and other types of osteoporosis medications. Others propose that this type of Sr can stimulate the formation of new bone tissue. [4]

However, Berkeley Wellness states, “all published studies have used strontium ranelate, with nearly all funded by the pharmaceutical company that makes it or done by scientists with financial ties to the company.”. [1]

According to a review, using strontium ranelate for 10 years or longer improves bone mineral density in elderly women, especially those over 70 years of age.

Some evidence suggests that this supplement is beneficial for improving bone mineral density in men too. [1]

In men with osteoporosis, using strontium ranelate for at least 2 years seemed to increase bone mineral density in the hip and spine. [1]

Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that strontium ranelate might be beneficial to those with arthritic joints. It might promote cartilage formation in joints that are in states of degeneration. It may also improve osteoporosis in men via other unspecified mechanisms. [1]

In a large human study, patients with osteoarthritis in their knees took either a placebo, or 1 or 2 grams strontium ranelate daily, for 3 years. Those that took 1 g and 2 g daily doses decreased joint space narrowing relative to placebo controls. [1]

Those that took 2 g daily doses also experienced decreased knee pain, and improved physical functioning. [1]

According to WebMD, “There is some interest in using strontium for osteoarthritis because developing research suggests it might boost the formation of collagen and cartilage in joints.”. [5]

Researchers are also interested in strontium as an agent for improving dental health, mainly via prevention of dental caries (cavities). [5]

However, in 2014, the European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommended that medications containing this ingredient (Protelos/Osseor) no longer be used for the treatment of osteoporosis due to the risk fo serious side effects.

Strontium vs. Calcium

NMCD states that roughly 99% of the body’s store of strontium is in bone tissue. This mineral is present in trace amounts within bones at a rate of 100 micrograms per gram.

It is both chemically and physically similar to Ca. Because of this, it can be used instead of calcium in certain biochemical processes. [4]

Because calcium is essential for human health, the body closely regulates its usage, and maintains its levels in a process called homeostasis.

When calcium is needed for its various important roles, it is “borrowed” from the bones, and then replaced later via dietary or supplemental intake.

Unlike calcium, strontium levels inside cells are not homeostatically regulated.

NMCD reports the following pharmacological effects of Sr that have been noted in in-vitro (cultured cell), animal and some human-based studies:

Antinociceptive Effects:

Antinociceptive effects refer to blocking the perception of pain or discomfort.

In clinical research, strontium compounds demonstrated anti-irritant and anti-itch effects in people affected by various chemical irritants like glycolic acid; a compound commonly used in cosmetic products.

Strontium salts, especially strontium nitrate, seem to selectively inhibit sensory irritation induced by exposure to chemicals. This occurs without causing numbness, or other effects associated with anesthesia. [4]

Researchers think the antinociceptive effects of strontium are due to selective suppression of C-fiber nociceptors.

These sensory receptors send pain messages via the spinal cord to the brain. They are responsible for creating sensations of burning and itching, and for initiating inflammatory responses. [4]

Bone-Building Effects:

Strontium-89 is an analogue of calcium that some doctors use to improve bone pain in cancer patients.

NMCD states, “This bone-seeking radioisotope emits beta-particles directly to the painful area. In laboratory research, strontium-89 preferentially bound to bone matrix in areas of active bone turnover.” [4]

Various clinical studies have shown that strontium ranelate improves bone strength, decreases fractures, and slows down resorption (bone tissue loss).

Administration of an Sr supplement improved both bone thickness and volume in areas most like to fracture (hip, neck, back). [4]

Osteoblasts are cells that release the matrix needed for bone formation. Preosteoblasts are mesenchymal cells that differentiate to form osteoblasts.

NMCD states that strontium ranelate caused increased bone matrix mineralization, and collagen synthesis. It did so by enhancing the replication of preosteoblasts, and promoting osteoblast differentiation.

In two studies, this led to bone turnover rebalancing, most likely due to altering activities in calcium-sensing receptors. [4]

Dental Effects:

Clinical research and review has shown that strontium chloride, and strontium acetate are effective for decreasing discomfort caused by tactile (touch) and heat stimuli, in patients with dental hypersensitivity. [4]

Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that strontium might be beneficial for decreasing gum swelling, and for reducing dental plaque. This seems true rather it is used with fluoride or chlorhexidine, or used alone. [4]

Strontium Supplement Health Benefits

NMCD rates effectiveness of herbs and supplements in specific health conditions. Each substance can be rated Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective – or Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate.

Applied topically, strontium acetate 8%, and strontium chloride 10%, in toothpastes, are rated effective for improving dental hypersensitivity. Twice daily brushing seems to produce the most potent results for relieving pain in sensitive teeth and gums. [4]

Strontium-89 chloride is rated effective for treating painful bony metastases. This medicine is administered intravenously by doctors and is not available publicly. [4]

Strontium ranelate is rated possibly effective for treating osteoporosis. Routine supplementation over time seems to reduce the risk of vertebral fracture, in postmenopausal women with histories of vertebral fracture, by 40%. [4]

In these same patients, strontium ranelate might increase bone mineral density by as much as 14% in the spine, and 8% in the neck. [4]

This drug also seems to reduce the risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women by 31%. [4]

Strontium-89 chloride is rated possibly effective for inhibiting the advancement of treatment-resistant prostate cancer, and for relieving associated pain. [4]

NMCD reports, “There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of strontium chloride, the form most commonly used in dietary supplements, when used orally for any condition.”. [4]

All other proposed medicinal uses for this supplement require more research to evaluate. [4]

Strontium Supplement Deficiency

Strontium is not considered an essential nutrient, and there are no known deficiency symptoms.

This means that even if you do not get any of this mineral in your diet, health experts do not believe that you will experience negative effects.

This elemental metal has no known biological roles, although it can be used like calcium in some biochemical processes.

Strontium Food Sources

Strontium is found in soil, water, air, plants and animals. WebMD states that, in the human diet, most strontium is gained from sources like meats including poultry, root vegetables, wheat bran and whole milk. [5]

Strontium Supplements

Strontium is a base constituent in various compounds – including strontium citrate, strontium chloride, strontium nitrate, strontium gluconate, strontium acetate, strontium hydroxide, strontium ranelate, strontium oxide, strontium aluminate and others. [4]

Strontium citrate is used most commonly in manufacturing supplements. [4]

NMCD reports that there are 125 dietary supplement products available that contain strontium. Be sure to choose dietary supplements that are guaranteed by a third party to be free of contaminants. Store your supplements in a cool, dark, dry location in airtight containers.

Strontium Supplement Dosage

As it is not an essential mineral, there are no recommended daily intake amounts established for strontium. However, NMCD states that 100-2000 mg/day doses of strontium ranelate are commonly used. [4]

In three different randomized, placebo-controlled trials, strontium ranelate was used in 2-gram daily doses for slowing down spinal osteoporosis progression, and for relieving back pain. [4]

NMCD states, “The optimal dose for therapeutic benefit has been reported as 2,000mg daily (providing 680 mg of elemental strontium). According to manufacturer recommendations, strontium ranelate should be taken preferably at bedtime or between meals, as food may reduce absorption.”. [4]

There is no reliable evidence concerning the safety of strontium supplementation in children. Avoid using until more is known. [4]

You should discuss strontium dosing for specific purposes with your healthcare provider before beginning to use a supplement.

Strontium Supplement Safety

NMCD states that strontium is Likely Safe in dietary amounts between 0.5-1.5 mg daily. [4]

Strontium ranelate is Possibly Safe when taken by mouth, in doses up to 2 grams daily, for as long as 56 months. [4]

Strontium is Possibly Unsafe in high doses. Elemental strontium doses above 680 mg/day are not advised. [4]

Strontium is Likely Safe for pregnant and nursing women, but only in dietary amounts. Strontium-89 chloride is Likely Unsafe for pregnant and nursing women. Avoid using. [4]

Berkeley Wellness states that strontium ranelate should not be used by those with histories of heart attacks, PAD (peripheral artery disease), uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clots, or stroke.

People with these histories may experience liver swelling, decreased red blood cell count, or seizures when using this supplement. [1]

Strontium Supplement Side Effects

Side effects of strontium ranelate are rare, but can be serious in some cases. It is generally well-tolerated for usage periods up to 5 years.

Some people experience stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dermatitis, alopecia, and/or eczema. [4]

According to PRAC, recent study data demonstrates that use of the medicines Protelos or Osseor containing this ingredient can cause a number of harmful effects.

Patients treated with these drugs experienced increase risk of heart attack, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, serious skin reactions, cognitive disturbances, seizures, liver inflammation and reduced red blood cell counts.

Strontium Supplement Interactions

WebMD states that strontium can interact with the following medications: [5]

• Antacids including Tums, Rolaids, Riopa, Amphojel, Maalox, Mylanta and others.
• Quinolone antibiotics like Cipro, Penetrex, Chibroxin, Zagam and Trovan.
• Tetracycline antibiotics like Minocin, Achromycin, Declomycin, and others.
• Male hormones like testosterone, nandrolone, oxandrolone, and oxymetholone.

NMCD states that strontium supplements might also interact with dietary supplements including calcium, algin, bladderwrack, laminaria and vitamin D. [4]

According to Berkeley Wellness, “Though the research on strontium is encouraging, we don’t recommend supplements. More studies—including independent ones—are needed to assess its longer-term benefits for both bones and joints, as well as its potential risks.”. [1]

This supplement could also make future bone density test results inaccurate, causing bone density to appear higher than it actually is.

Strontium Chemical Properties

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), pure strontium is a hard, white metallic element.

It has Atomic Number 38, and is abbreviated Sr. It is harder than sodium (Na), and softer than aluminum (Al). [2]

Strontium comprises roughly 0.04% of Earth’s crust. It is found in soil, water, air, plants, animals, rocks, coal, oil and even dust.

In most substances, Strontium is found only in very minute amounts, just a few parts per million (ppm). [2]

In nature, strontium is very rarely found in its pure form. Rather, it is included in a variety of compounds, most commonly in SrSO4 (celestite) and SrCO3 (strontianite). [2]

There are four stable isotopes of strontium: 84Sr, 86Sr, 87Sr and 88Sr. Strontium-88 is the most abundant form. All four types of strontium induce the same chemical effects in the body. [2]

In nature, strontium is not radioactive. However, a radioactive by-product called Sr-90 is produced during nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Sr-90 has a half-life of about 29 years, and it can be absorbed into human bone tissue, especially in children. Inside bones, it destroys marrow and causes cancer. [2][3]

However, strontium-90 has several important uses in industry. For instance, it is used to generate electricity in weather stations and space stations. It is also used to remove static electricity charges from machinery. This type of strontium is not available commercially. [3]

Through a number of manufacturing processes, strontium can be extracted from ores, and then used to form other compounds.

These compounds – like strontium carbonate, strontium aluminate and strontium hexahydrate – are used to make fireworks, ceramics, fluorescent lights, paint pigments, pharmaceuticals, and more. [3]

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, elemental strontium is not toxic. Currently, the world’s largest producers of Strontium are China, Mexico, Morocco, Argentina and Spain. [3]

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