Skeleton Pirate
Artist: LindaB
WELCOME TO STRONTIUM FOR BONES BLOG
Have you experienced negative, and even dangerous, side effects from Fosamax (alendronate), Boniva (ibandronate), Actonel (risedronate), Reclast (zoledronic acid), Prolia (denosumab), Forteo (teriparatide), Tymlos (abaloparatide), or other drugs prescribed for osteoporosis? If you have, then rest assured there is a safe, effective treatment for this condition. Strontium, primarily in the form of strontium citrate, is taken orally once a day.
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Browse the posts and visit the link library of references.
Visitors to my blog can leave comments or ask questions and can remain anonymous, if they wish. Their comments are relayed to my g-mail inbox. Below each post, the number of comments for that post is cited and underlined because it is a link. By clicking on that link below any post, a window opens so that a visitor can leave a comment. Ideally, visitors leave comments on posts most relevant to their comments. All comments to my posts are moderated by me.
Browse the posts and visit the link library of references.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Strontium For Osteoporosis
I took Fosamax 70 mg once weekly for seven months until I could no longer tolerate the side effects. I waited a month before starting a regimen of strontium citrate 680 mg once daily. Please comment with your experiences taking strontium or if you would like more information about it.
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Wandering Skeleton
Artist: Joel Hoekstra
Osteoporotic Bone
Source: www.mayoclinic.com
How Strontium Builds Bones
Strontium is a mineral that tends to accumulate in bone. Studies have shown that oral doses of strontium are a safe and effective way to prevent and reverse osteoporosis. Doses of 680 mg per day appear to be optimal. See my "For More Information About Strontium" links section.
Osteoporosis is caused by changes in bone production. In healthy young bones there is a constant cycle of new bone growth and bone removal. With age, more bone is removed and less new bone is produced. The bones become less dense and thus more fragile.
Scientists believe that strontium works in two ways. It may stimulate the replication of pre-osteoblasts, leading to an increase in osteoblasts (cells that build bone). Strontium also directly inhibits the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). The result is stronger bones.
When taking strontium, be sure to take 1200 mg calcium, 1000 IU vitamin D3, and 500 mg magnesium daily. It is best to take strontium late at night on an empty stomach. Calcium and strontium may compete with each other for absorption if taken together.
Osteoporosis is caused by changes in bone production. In healthy young bones there is a constant cycle of new bone growth and bone removal. With age, more bone is removed and less new bone is produced. The bones become less dense and thus more fragile.
Scientists believe that strontium works in two ways. It may stimulate the replication of pre-osteoblasts, leading to an increase in osteoblasts (cells that build bone). Strontium also directly inhibits the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). The result is stronger bones.
When taking strontium, be sure to take 1200 mg calcium, 1000 IU vitamin D3, and 500 mg magnesium daily. It is best to take strontium late at night on an empty stomach. Calcium and strontium may compete with each other for absorption if taken together.
For More Information about Strontium
- A Dose-response Study With Strontium Malonate
- A Review of the latest insights into the mechanism of action of strontium in bone
- Antifracture Efficacy Over 10 Years With Strontium Ranelate
- Combination of Micronutrients for Bone (COMB) Study: Bone Density after Micronutrient Intervention
- Echolight REMS Scan of Young, Normal Female
- Effect of bone strontium on BMD measurements
- Effect of Lumbar Scoliosis on DXA Results
- Effects of SrR on Calcium Metabolism
- Effects of strontium ions on growth and dissolution of hydroxyapatite and on bone mineral detection
- Influence of strontium on bone mineral density and bone mineral content measurements by dual X-ray absorptiometry
- Interpretation of BMD Scans in Patients Stopping Strontium
- Melatonin-micronutrients Osteopenia Treatment Study (MOTS)
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
- Osteoporosis And Bone Physiology
- Post-Marketing Assessment of the Safety of Strontium Ranelate
- PubMed Abstract On The SOTI Study
- PubMed Abstract On The TROPOS Study
- Strontium ranelate Aristo
- Strontium Ranelate For Spinal Osteoarthritis
- Strontium: Breakthrough Against Osteoporosis
- Summary Safety Review - Strontium
- The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment
- Thirteen Key Diagnostic Tests
22 comments:
Your blog is very informative about using strontium to treat osteoporosis. Love your pirate skeleton pic. I believe that the non-prescription strontium citrate is just as effective as the prescription strontium renalate (not available in the U.S. yet)as strontium must dissolve in the stomach, become ionized, and then be protein-bound in order to be assimilated into the bloodstream and then into the bone matrix. In fact, the citrate form shouldn't have any significant side effects as compared to the renalate form, which could produce some toxicity.
Wolfy at werewolkfing.blogspot.com, for fantastic art and stories depicting women warriors (not X-rated).
Can strontium citrate contain strontium-90? While strontium citrate, the popular over-the-counter supplement is not supposed to contain any of the dangerously radioactive strontium-90 isotope, it does beg the question as to what testing is done by the manufacturer of strontium citrate, as well as strontium renalate, to verify that no detectable strontium-90 is present.
The raw material for pharmaceutical use of strontium is the mineral, stronianite (strontium carbonate), which is mined mainly in China. Since this mineral is mined subsurface, and was formed long before the development of nuclear weapons, its believed by most chemists to be free of significant strontium-90. And, we do know that most strontium-90 is of concern to milk and water, and both are tested for its presence.
However, China did conduct numerous nuclear bomb tests so it's not completely clear on how much, if any, strontium-90 percolated through the ground-water and into the stronianite mines in China. We can only hope that the manufacturers of strontium preparations are testing their raw material for the presence of strontium-90.
Source: sci.med.nutrition Newsgroup. Post: Can strontium citrate contain strontium-90?
I really love your blog. I'm glad it has no ads like some of the other strontium sites. I took Fosamax weekly for two years, but it damaged my food tube so bad I had to have surgery so I told my doc no way am I taking any more of his stuff. I started researching on alternatives on Google and found your blog so a big thanks for helping me learn about strontium. I bought some at my heath food store. Could you please clear up about the empty stomach thing? My bottle of Bone Maker said I can take it with food, but I read about calcium interfering so now I'm confused. Can you discuss this?
This comment is in reply to Anonymous' post of May 9, 2008. It is best to take strontium on an empty stomach because many foods contain calcium, which will interfere with strontium absorption. You could take it in the morning and then wait at least one hour before having breakfast or taking vitamins,per Doctor's Best website. Servier's website recommends taking it at bedtime at least two hours after your last meal. I hope this helps.
BoneLady
Are you some kinda doc that knows how to treat bone diseases? If strontium was so great, how come the FDA hasn't approved it? How come millions of women can take Fosamax with no problems? Yet, u want women to take something that's only been tested in Europe. Remember thalidomide? That's what I think of clinical trials from Europe. Bogus crap! You are just misleading women into false hopes of some kinda miracle cure. Do some research before you claim to be a health expert.
Reply to BeanGirl:
The FDA's approval is not required for strontium citrate, the form I take. It can be purchased at any health food store in the U.S.A.
Strontium ranelate, a prescription drug, is available in 84 countries worldwide, not just in Europe. It does not have FDA approval in the U.S.A. because its manufacturer, Servier, has not chosen to market it here.
If Fosamax rebuilds a woman's bones without causing her other problems, then she can stay on it and hope no serious problems develop later on. I experienced frightening side effects after being on Fosamax for just a few months. I consider myself lucky because the problems disappeared when I discontinued the drug.
My blog includes links to some of the strontium research studies, including one at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S.A.
BoneLady
My last bone density showed -2.7 in the hips and a -3in vertebrae. I took Fosamax for two years until my throat closed up and I could not swallow. Took Evista and got lumps in the breast. That was 4-5 years ago. Have been taking stronitum for four months with no problem. The doc has agreed on a trai although he would like for me to take Forteo. Am looking forward to next annual bone density with the hopes that it will have come up at least a little...Robinette
The best of luck to you, Robinette. Thank you for your post. I hope to hear from you again with the results of your next dexa scan. Be sure to let the clinician know your daily dose of strontium and how long you've been taking it so the radiologist interpreting the scan can make an adjustment to the interpretation. It's also a good idea to leave him a copy of the two abstracts included in my reference section. See "Strontium Dexa Scan Effect."
I am researching strontium for my mother who has severe osteoporosis and had knee and hip surgeries this year. Can someone tell me if strontium citrate has blood clotting side effect as does the strontium ranelate. Bonelady has written strontium citrate can be purchased at any health food store in the U.S.A. Can you please give me 1-2 store names? I tried few in San Diego and it is not available anywhere.
Rajesh, Best of luck to you in researching strontium for your mother. There is weak evidence linking strontium ranelate with increased risk for blot clots, although one small study was somewhat reassuring about the risk.
The risk of blot clots with strontium citrate has not been ascertained as most recent studies of strontium have involved strontium ranelate and strontium malonate.
I am not familiar with San Diego. You can contact Doctor's Best, the distributor of Strontium Bone Maker at (800)777-2474 or at www.drbvitamins.com. The company is located in San Clemente, CA, and should have names of health food stores that distribute their product.
You can also purchase this product on-line at www.vitasprings.com.
My father has been taking strontium citrate for over two years. He repeated his bone density scan a year after starting on strontium and saw a positive increase in his bone density in the hip and lumbar region.
My question is: my 13 year old daughter has very poor bone density due to non weightbearing on her right leg for four months. she is expected to be on crutches for at least six more months so the doctors are all recommending Fosomax. What do you think about a 13 year old girl taking strontium citrate ? Is there any research on strontium for osteoporosis in kids?
Thanks
Response to question of October 26, 2008: According to www.healthlibrary.epnet.com, "maximum safe doses of strontium in young children,...have not been established." I am expecting a return call from Doctor's Best on my question about dosage for a 13-year-old girl. I will post their reply, which may take a few days; so check back.
Follow up to question of October 26, 2008: A representative from Doctor's Best said a 13-year-old girl can take the adult dosage of strontium, which for Strontium Bone Maker is two capsules, each containing 340 mg elemental strontium for a total of 680 mg daily. Make sure your daughter, or anyone taking strontium, gets sufficient daily calcium, but not at the same time as the strontium. Separate the intake of calcium (from food or supplements) and strontium by at least two hours. If she were my daughter, I would give her the strontium without a second thought. After my experience with Fosamax, I would never give it to her, even if she were much older.
Second follow-up to question of October 26, 2008: According to the CDC's ToxFAQs for Strontium, "Exposure to high levels of stable strontium can result in impaired bone growth in children." They do not give an age range. You can read their report, which deals with stable and radioactive strontium in the environment, at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts159.html. They will answer questions by phone at 1/888/422-8737, by FAX at 1/770/488-4178, by Email at ATSDRIC@cdc.gov.
Hi,
I have been taking Doctor's Best Strontium for about a year. I am a little worried about impurities (heavy metals etc). Do you know anything about where their Strontium comes from, do you think they do? Do they test it for purity?
I am really hoping the Protelos (Strontium Ranelate) will be approved in the USA so we can be more sure of the purity of the Strontium. It is really too bad that the french manufacturer chose not to apply for approval in the USA. Do you think they will apply later? Thanks.
Reply to Anonymous 01/20/09: I have also been taking Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker for a year and understand your concerns about purity. I have emailed the company with questions about the origin of their strontium and how they test it for purity. I will publish their answers on this site.
I do not know Servier's future marketing plans for Protelos (strontium ranelate),only that,to date, they have chosen not to seek FDA approval for U.S. sales. Osteologix, a U.S. company,currently has NB S101 (strontium malonate) in phase II clinical trials.
Follow-up reply to Anonymous post of 01/20/09 with my email to Doctor's Best and the company's reply:
Dear Sir or Madam: I have been taking Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker for about one year. I am a little concerned about its purity (heavy metals, strontium 90, etc.). Where do you purchase the strontium from? How do you test it for purity? I read the company president's letter on your website, but it did not specificallly mention my product. This issue is a concern not only for me but for many others taking strontium for osteoporosis. I have read similar concerns from readers of my blog at http://strontiumforbones.blogspot.com/ and from members at the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). I would appreciate a quick but detailed and honest response.
Response from Doctor's Best:
We purchase the Stontium Bone Maker here in the U.S. the product is tested on several levels to assure complete purity. This form of strontium is entirely different from the radioactive and unstable “strontium-90” formed by nuclear fission.
Please be assured that our products that Doctor’s Best quality control is very high. We work with doctors and health professionals who in turn work with very ill patients they choose doctors Best over other supplements. We have been doing this for almost two decades and are known within our industry as top of the line company. We are not marketing driven but rather product driven and science driven company which sets us apart from all others.
Our doctors love the Strontium Bone Maker and have had amazing successes. We here at DRB receive many, many calls from happy customers who have been using the product with great success.
Sincerely,
Kari Michalson
Customer Service
I've been taking strontium citrate for my bones for over 2 years. I haven't experienced any side effects that I was aware of. and my latest Dexa-scan showed a dramatic improvement. But almost 3 weeks ago, I experienced a sudden onset of peripheral neuropathy in both feet - very painful, which continues. I've read that calcium can accumulate in the arteries; can strontium do that too and cause problems with circulation? Thanks for any help you can give me regarding this.
Response to Anonymous' post of 01/21/09:
First of all, I encourage you to seek medical attention and diagnosis for the pain in your feet. It could have many causes. I also want to congratulate you on your greatly improved DEXA scan results with strontium citrate supplementation.
As you mentioned, calcium can accumulate in arteries.The formation of arterial plaque involves deposits of fatty substances,cholesterol,calcium,and fibrin (a clotting protein). Because the chemistry of strontium is so similar to that of calcium, it is possible for strontium to contribute to arterial plaque formation, which leads to hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes! Other causes include trauma or pressure on the nerve; vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins;alcoholism; autoimmune diseases; other diseases, such as kidney or liver disease,hypothyroidism, HIV/AIDS;inherited disorders;exposure to poisons, such as heavy metals and medications to treat cancer and other conditions. For more info, visit www.mayoclinic.com and search for peripheral neuropathy.
I sometimes take herbs (valerian, Passion flower, melatonin) to help me sleep. Since there is no calcium in these, taking strontium at the same time should be okay, right? Ditto Sam-E? Your blog is a blessing. Thank you.
To: Anonymous of 08/18/2013,
I have never read of any interactions of strontium with valerian, passion flower, melatonin, or Sam-E. That does not mean that no interactions exit, only that none have been published, as far as I know. Therefore, if you can separate these from strontium by at least two hours, it would be prudent.
You should not take calcium supplements, calcium-containing medications, magnesium supplements, magnesium-containing medications, or any food within at least two hours of taking strontium. You should discontinue strontium intake during treatment with oral tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics.
Thank you for the complement. Good luck to you!
Thanks, so prompt and helpful, again.
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