Strontium (Citrate)
A bone-mineral cousin to calcium. Strontium ranelate (Rx in Europe) was withdrawn for cardiovascular concerns; strontium citrate (OTC) is still used for bone support with caution.
Strong evidence for strontium ranelate in fracture reduction (now off-market). Moderate for citrate form (extrapolated from ranelate plus smaller direct trials). Effects: 6–12 months.
Strontium is a divalent cation chemically similar to calcium — it incorporates into bone mineral and stimulates osteoblast activity while inhibiting osteoclast resorption. Strontium ranelate (Protelos) was approved in Europe for osteoporosis in 2004 and produced meaningful fracture reduction, but was withdrawn in 2017 over cardiovascular event signals. Strontium citrate (the OTC supplemental form) doesn't have the same large outcome trials but is widely used. Importantly: strontium falsely inflates DEXA bone density readings (it's heavier than calcium) — get bone scans 4+ weeks after stopping if accurate density tracking matters.
- Form
- Strontium citrate capsules. Avoid strontium ranelate (Rx, withdrawn).
- Dose
- 340–680 mg/day strontium citrate.
- Timing
- Away from calcium (compete for absorption — separate by 2+ hours). PM is common (calcium often AM).
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- GI upset. Increased DEXA reading (artificial — not real density gain). Rare allergic reactions.
- Interactions
- Calcium — competitive absorption. Quinolone / tetracycline antibiotics — chelation, separate by 2 hours. Bisphosphonates — opposing absorption.
- Contraindications
- Cardiovascular disease history (caution — based on ranelate withdrawal signal). Severe kidney impairment. Pregnancy / breastfeeding.
- Lab markers
- DEXA (with strontium artifact correction). Fracture history. P1NP, CTX bone turnover markers for finer tracking.
- Food sources
- Trace amounts in spices, seafood, leafy greens — well below supplemental doses.
Pairs with
Vitamin K2, vitamin D3, magnesium, boron (bone stack). Calcium (taken separately).
within Minerals