Here are the results of my previous poll, with 104 responses: Are you currently taking strontium for bone problems?
Yes 80 (76%)
No 24 (23%)
Please take part in the current poll on DEXA scan results after strontium therapy.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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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
13 comments:
I found your blog while researching strontium citrate for osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis after undergoing the most intense physical exam ever in late 2004. I was only 38 at the time, and totally shocked at the Dx from my BMD scan that showed high risk of fracture in left femur/hip/pelvis region. Osteopenia of the spine also diagnosed. Even though I told my NP that I had acid reflux she insisted that I take Fosamax weekly oral. I followed the directions to a T, but after 18 hours straight of worsening severe abdominal pain and feeling like a volcano about to erupt, I went to the ER. They gave me several different drugs to counter the Fosamax side effects, including drinking lidocaine, but none did anything. They took x-rays to make sure that the Fosamax had not eaten a hole in my stomach, and it had not. It took five months for my esaphogus and stomach to heal from this one horrible dose of Fosamax, and the first 2 months were mainly liquid foods. I lost so much weight that people commented that I looked anorexic...Merck's statement to remain upright for at least 30 minutes to avoid such side effects is a total JOKE as I remained totally upright for 18 hours to no avail before going to the ER!! I am ordering the strontium citrate and will post my results after my next BMD scan to see if any improvement has been made. BTW: Fosamax, Boniva, and others are indicated for POST-menopausal osteoporosis patients,and I have yet to find anything for pre-menopausal victims of this bone pirate.
I've bought my first Strontium today!! I'm 53, learned I had osteoporosis when I was 52. How were the results of your bone density after one year on the strontium?? I think I saw that in your profile, how did your year go. Glad you have this blog. Sue
Sue, You are correct that I have been taking strontium for a little over one year. May, 2009 will be two years from my previous DEXA scan. Two years between scans is the recommended interval. I will post my results on this blog, whether or not they meet my expectations.
Response to Anonymous comment of 01/31/09:
No one with a history of acid reflux should take oral bisphosphonates. I wish you luck with the strontium citrate and hope to hear of your results.
Bonelady ... kudos to you for starting this site. I am a strontium user will be two years using in Oct of which i am due a bM test then. However after just 10 months of use i was scanned and my hip had improved and spine stayed the same which is good at least it did not decrease. Keep up the good work
I found your blog site while researching alternative meds for my mother who has osteoporosis. I'm really glad you made this blog and I'm recommending that she take strontium. I was wondering if you ever heard of osteovalin( a form of strontium) here is the link I found. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topic/728961
Hope your bone scan comes back improved!
Christina, Yes, I have heard of OsteoValin and had researched it for another individual.
OsteoValin is a proprietary blend containing strontium carbonate, Quercetin and Hesperidin. Strontium both rebuilds bone and decreases bone resorption, but strontium carbonate is not the best source. Strontium citrate is more readily absorbed than strontium carbonate, just as calcium citrate is more readily absorbed than calcium carbonate. If you eat food when you take calcium carbonate, you can get around the absorption problem, but you would not want to eat food containing calcium and take a strontium product because calcium and strontium compete for absorption.
Quercetin and Hesperidin are flavonoids. Flavonoids are generally considered beneficial anti-oxidants, but there is some controversy about Quercetin. An FDA study on rats found Quercetin to be mutagenic. Other studies indicate it works to prevent cancer. Quercetin is also an anti-histamine and an anti-inflammatory. I found a website with references and a balanced discussion on the pros and cons of Quercetin at http://www.diet-and-health.net/Supplements/Quercetin.html.
Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits. It is part of vitamin P. As a powerful anti-oxidant, it has many benefits from retarding the aging process to helping the body detoxify carcinogens. I cannot find any specific benefit to bones for either Quercetin or Hesperidin.
For more years than I can remember, I have taken Kal Bioflavonoids 1000 as a daily dietary supplement. Each tablet contains 1000 mg Bioflavonoid Concentrate (from lemon, orange and grapefruit) and 60 mg Hesperidin Concentrate (from lemon, orange and grapefruit). For the past 13 months, I have taken Doctor's Best Strontium Bonemaker, which contains 680 mg elemental strontium from 2,194 mg strontium citrate in each dose of two capsules.
Thanks so much for the info. I really appreciate it!
Hi Bone lady,
doing more research on strontium. I ordered the doctor's best brand for my mom ( she's 53 and has osteoporosis due to early menopause starting at age 35). I keep reading a lot of good things. I did come across this website which seemed negative. Apparently even though a DEXA scan will come back looking great, it doesn't mean anything b/c the strontium appears denser. There is some kind of formula one can do to evaluate the true density. What do you think about this?
http://www.healthdiaries.com/blogs/hot/archives/osteoporosis/dexa_tscores_after_strontium_citrate.html
Christina, Since strontium is heavier than calcium, its presence in bone will change the results of the DEXA scan. Without an adjustment in the interpretation, BMD can be read as artificially high. There is a correction at www.osteopenia3.com/strontium-dexa-scan.html.
If you click on "2008" under my "Blog Archive," you will see a post I made on 11/4/2008 titled "Effect of Strontium on DEXA Scan." It includes an explanation of the effect and a link for the correction.
Also on my blog at the very bottom there is a links section entitled "For More Information About Strontium," with links to "Correction of BMD for Strontium" and "Strontium DEXA Scan Effect."
Good luck to you and your mom.
On 03/04/09, Christina wrote the following:
"sorry to bother you, but one other quick question... although in rare cases, blood clots(VTE) have been reported while taking strontium. What do you think about this? Here is the link I got it from: http://emc.medicines.org.uk/document.aspx?documentId=15410."
The electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) contains information about United Kingdom licensed medicines.
A low incidence of blood clots has been reported for strontium ranelate. The cause is unknown. It is also unknown if strontium citrate has the same incidence of VTE. A U.S.-based clinical trial of strontium citrate is in the works. It will run for only three months but may provide some answers.
Sorry this is in non-medical terms. I checked with my physician and she said Strontium Citrate which I ordered does indeed create bone density, but of a kind which actually makes bones more brittle and subject to breaking. I need more research on this particular element. Her recommendation was to stay away from all Rx for bones especially Fosomax, and simply take enough Calcium and Vit. D PLUS
weight bearing exercises (the more the better). She felt all prescription drugs as well as bone building supplements with the exception of the two mentioned above are potentially more harmful than helpful, in spite of increased bone density. Does anyone agree?
To: Anonymous of 05/30/2012,
Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast, have been associated with atypical femur fractures after long use and with osteonecrosis of the jaw. They are antiresorptives, which means they decrease bone resorption (breakdown) but do not build bone. Patients are eventually left with weak, old bones.
Strontium salts, on the other hand, are believed to both decrease bone breakdown and increase bone buildup. The new bone has been shown to be strong and healthy. Per Servier (the French drug manufacturer), “Strontium ranelate is the first oral treatment to improve both trabecular and cortical bone in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The change in 3D trabecular and cortical microarchitecture may improve bone biomechanical competence and explain the decreased fracture rate after strontium use.” I believe the same is true for strontium citrate, because strontium is the active ingredient in all the strontium salts.
You should take adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D from diet and supplements, and you should do weight-bearing exercise. However, unless you were previously deficient in calcium and/or vitamin D, taking adequate levels now will not reverse or stop your osteoporosis. You should be tested to rule out secondary causes of osteoporosis. If a secondary cause is found, it must be addressed.
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