UC Davis Study to Prevent Osteoporosis with Dietary Supplement Begins Recruitment
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/newsdetail.html?key=1985
February 26, 2009(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Osteoporosis affects many women and can cause painful, disabling and even life-threatening fractures. Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine are seeking a simple, inexpensive way to prevent the disease.
Strontium citrate is a widely available, over-the-counter dietary supplement promoted to “improve bone health.” Strontium is a natural element found in bone in all people. Strontium citrate is another form of strontium ranelate, a proven medication prescribed across Europe and Australia to treat and prevent osteoporosis and related fractures. Unlike pharmaceuticals, strontium citrate is not a prescribed medication and is inexpensive.
The UC Davis researchers are trying to demonstrate that a nutraceutical, which women can buy without seeing a doctor or paying a drug company, can be used to improve bone health.
The researchers are seeking post-menopausal women who are at least one year but less than five years past their last menstrual period. Participation in the study will include a screening visit with blood draw at UC Davis Medical Center, followed by a blood draw and free DEXA scan at the Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care Center.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will take strontium citrate plus calcium and vitamin D for three months, while the other group will take a placebo plus calcium and vitamin D for three months.
During the three-month period, participants will visit UC Davis Medical Center three times for short questionnaires and blood draws. DEXA scans and test results can be provided to participants.For more information or to schedule a screening visit, contact Stephanie Burns, study coordinator, at (530) 754-7576 or (916) 734-5562 or scope@phs.ucdavis.edu.
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.
Monday, March 2, 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
43 comments:
Hi BoneLady,
I'm a 42 year old male, just diagnosed with Osteo and I've been doing research into treatment options. Strontium Citrate is something I'm seriously considering but I have yet to find any info on whether it's appropriate for a male to take...any ideas? Also, I see that you're do for a scan...best of luck!
Ed
Hi! Ed,
It is appropriate for a male to take strontium citrate. I have heard of a few who are taking it. Some have posted comments on my blog. I have met others at www.inspire.com, which is a blog sponsored by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
I recently got the results of my scan and am posting them today. I hope you check back.
Best of luck to you!
BoneLady
Hi Bonelady,
Pleased to find your blog!I'm 58 and female,diagnosed with osteporosis recently and looking at all options. Biphosphonates are scarey.Your strontium citrate looks promising. My doctor gave me the option of Alendronate (biphosphoate) or Strontium Ranelate which is available here in Australia. The latter however contains aspartame as an inactive ingredient. Aspartame is now a known toxin. Why the blazes they'd add that I really don't know but have asked the company same question so will await an answer.Don't know if strontium citrate available in Australia. Like the idea that it's probably "off the shelf" if it is. Would like to understand the differences between the strontiums. How did you come to choose this particular one to start with? The other question is, and please excuse me if I have misread your info, are you convinced that your encouraging scan is not in part due to the residual effect of the first drug? I understand that some of these drugs stay in the system for some time after use. Am still spinning from my diagnosis so only days into my own search for solutions. Really hope your results continue to give you confidence.
Hello! Researcher,
I chose strontium citrate as my strontium source because, while all the various forms of strontium have bioavailabilities between 25 and 30 percent, gastric tolerance is reportedly better with strontium citrate. Strontium ranelate was never a choice because it is not available in the USA.
The nonpatentable forms of strontium supplements, such as strontium citrate, should dissolve and deliver strontium to the bones just as efficiently as strontium ranelate. The ranelate component of strontium ranelate has no active effect and is simply eliminated from the body through the urine.
I chose the brand I use by calling the health food store where I shop for premium vitamins and supplements and asking what brands of strontium they carry. They only carry Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker. I do not purchase it from my local store, however, because I can get better prices from online distributors.
The brand is important because not all of them contain the amount of strontium listed on the label. A study reported at the 2007 International Bone and Mineral Research Conference in Honolulu found that three of five products tested contained significantly less strontium than their labels indicated. The two properly labeled products were AOR Strontium and Strontium Bone Maker. I read this after I had been on strontium for many months and felt I had chosen wisely.
You asked about the effect of Fosamax on my DEXA scan. It may have had some minor effect, but I only took it for 28 weeks followed by a year and a half on strontium.
I wish you the best in your research.
Thank you for creating this site. I read about your success and further researched strontium. In the past year my femoral neck increased 5% and my spine improved 9%! My spine is back in the normal range. With another year of strontium, my hips should also return to normal. Thank you Bone Lady!!
Dragonfly
Hi Dragonfly,
Thank you for letting me know your wonderful success story with strontium. I wish you much luck in the future.
BoneLady
I have read that strontium can cause an artificially elevated bone scan score because strontium is denser than calcium in the bones. Also read that the thicker the bone, the more susceptible to fracture than thin, strong, flexible bones. Just wondered about the thoughts on this. I stopped taking strontium after reading this but do SO want to strengthen my bones. Have had three fractures now and been in osteoporosis for 10 years.
To Anonymous of 10/07/2010:
The most important consideration with any osteoporosis treatment is fracture prevention. Most recent studies have been on strontium ranelate. One of the most recent studies on strontium ranelate was conducted by Meunier et al (Osteoporosis Int 2009;20:1663-73) on 1649 osteoporotic women. Over four years, risk of vertebral fracture was reduced by 33%. Among patients with two or more prevalent vertebral fractures, risk reduction was 36%.
Bone microarchitecture is improved by strontium ranelate (www.servier.com). The analysis of transiliac bone biopsy samples from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of strontium ranelate has shown it improves both trabecular and cortical bone. At the trabecular level, strontium ranelate significantly increases trabecular number by 14% and decreases trabecular separation by 16%, shifting trabeculae from rod-like structures to plate-like patterns. At the cortical level, strontium ranelate enlarges cortical bone dimensions by increasing cortical thickness by 18%.
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.
The uptake of heavier strontium in place of calcium into bone matrix results in an increase in BMD as measured on DXA scanning. Correction algorithms, such as the one by G.M. Blake and I. Fogelman published in 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Densitometry, can be used to correct the BMD results. However, according to Servier, the manufacturer of strontium ranelate (Protelos), it is not necessary to adjust BMD for each patient because there is a a 74% correlation between the increase in BMD with Protelos and vertebral fracture risk reduction.
I hope that I have answered your questions and wish you much luck in the future. You might want to take time to browse through some of my older posts, some of which have covered your questions.
Hi,
I am just made aware of strontium to make your bones more denser and being diagnosed with 8% decrease in my bones I am considering this product. I have been through a kidney transplant 8 years ago though and wondered if this strontium is okay for me to take. Is there any evidence that it might do damage to my kidneys?
To Anonymous poster of 11/17/10:
You said you had a kidney transplant eight years ago and are considering strontium to increase your bone mineral density. You should not take any over-the-counter (OTC) or herbal/naturopathic preparation without consulting your physician.
Strontium should not be taken if you have severe kidney disease. Your doctor can order a creatine clearance and other laboratory tests to determine kidney function. You should tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking or plan to take.
Hi BoneLady,
Thank you very much for your response to my question about taking strontium with a kidney transplant.
I will consult with my Transplant doctors then.
Yennie
Yennie,
Please note: I meant "creatinine clearance" in my previous response; "creatine clearance" was a typo. I wish you the best of luck. Here is some information you can take to your transplant doctors (excerpted from Servier's website for strontium ranelate, brand name Protelos):
http://www.servier.com/Pro/Osteoporosis/Protelos/Protelos.aspx?id=367
"Protelos: summary of product characteristics
Use in renal impairment
No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (30-70 ml/min creatinine clearance) (see section 5.2). Strontium ranelate is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min) (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
4.4 Special warnings and special precautions for use
In the absence of bone safety data in patients with severe renal impairment treated with strontium ranelate, PROTELOS is not recommended in patients with a creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min (see section 5.2). In accordance with good medical practice, periodic assessment of renal function is recommended in patients with chronic renal impairment. Continuation of treatment with PROTELOS in patients developing severe renal impairment should be considered on an individual basis.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Elimination
The elimination of strontium is time and dose independent. The effective half-life of strontium is about 60 hours. Strontium excretion occurs via the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Its plasma clearance is about 12 ml/min (CV 22%) and its renal clearance about 7 ml/min (CV 28%).
Pharmacokinetics in special clinical situations
Patients with renal impairment
In patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (30-70 ml/min creatinine clearance), strontium clearance decreases as creatinine clearance decreases (approximately 30% decrease over the creatinine clearance range 30 to 70 ml/min) and thereby induces an increase in strontium plasma levels. In phase III studies, 85% of the patients had a creatinine clearance between 30 and 70 ml/min and 6% below 30 ml/min at inclusion, and the mean creatinine clearance was about 50 ml/min. No dosage adjustment is therefore required in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment.
There is no pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min).
Hi BoneLady,
My Mother has a severe case of Osteoporsis. She is all bent over. She is also 90 yrs of age. Except for the osteoporosis she only takes a thyroid pill. Her health is good. I was wondering if this could help her or if it might do her harm. Her Nurse Practitioner wanted to put her on Boniva about 3 months ago. My Mom wouldn't take it because of the side effects. She told Mom that she would probably live to be a 100 & that was why she prescribed Boniva. What are your thoughts about Strontium for her. I had bought some from my Health Food Store by Garden of Life. It was called Vitamin Code Grow Bone System. She took 2 bottles of it. and started on the 3rd one and the Nurse Practitioner told her she didn't need it that she was getting enough calcium in the calcium that she was taking. I would appreciate you input.
Thank you,
Ga
Hello Ga,
Most of the published clinical studies on strontium for osteoporosis have used strontium ranelate. Since strontium is the active ingredient, we assume other strontium salts will act similarly. There is clinical evidence that strontium works well in the very elderly. The following excerpt is from my blog post of Wednesday, May 26, 2010:
"Strontium Ranelate Reduces Fracture Risk In The Elderly
According to a study by Ego Seeman et al., strontium ranelate produces an early and sustained reduction of both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in women 80 years of age and older. An analysis based on pooled data from two international, phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies (the Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention [SOTI] and TReatment Of Peripheral OSteoporosis [TROPOS]) included 1488 women between 80 and 100 years of age followed for three years. Yearly spinal X-rays were performed in 895patients. Only radiographically confirmed nonvertebral fractures were included.
The risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and clinical (symptomatic vertebral and nonvertebral) fractures was reduced within one year by 59% (p = 0.002), 41% (p = 0.027), and 37% (p = 0.012), respectively. At the end of three years, vertebral, nonvertebral, and clinical fracture risks were reduced by 32% (p = 0.013), 31% (p =0.011), and 22% (p = 0.040), respectively. The medication was well tolerated, and the safety profile was similar to that in younger patients. The authors concluded that treatment with strontium ranelate safely reduces the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis aged 80 and older. Even in the oldest old, it is not too late to reduce fracture risk.
J Bone Miner Res 2006;21:1113–1120. Published online on May 8, 2006; 9/JBMR.060404."
The Garden of Life Vitamin Code Grow Bone System consists of two supplements: one is calcium with other vitamins and minerals; the other is strontium citrate (680 mg strontium in three capsules) with probiotics, enzymes, fruits and vegetables. If your mother does not need the calcium supplement, you can buy just strontium citrate. I use Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker, which has 680 mg strontium in two capsules. You and your mom need to calculate her daily calcium intake from foods so you will know how much calcium to supplement. She should get about 1200 mg calcium daily. Don’t forget magnesium, vitamin D, and Vitamin K for good bone health.
I hope I have helped and wish you both the best of health.
Hi Bone Lady!:) I am a 39 yr old dialysis pt. My last DEXA scan read -4.0. I have done no drugs except Hectorol which is a synthetic form of vit D; it causes bone pain. I am on a walker and bent over. My ribs are on top of my hip bones; I have lost about 4-5 in on the torso. Do you know of any dialysis pts that have benefitted from Strontium? I am very familiar w/Garden of Life's product but have not taken it consistently. I need everything in both bottles! Has anyone heard of a dialysis pt benefitting from this? Thank you sooo much for your response!
I am thinking about taking ProBone for my bones. It contains 1000 mn of strontium citrate, I am 74 years old and I do have osteopenia. Is the strontium citrate as effective as the other strontium products? Would appreciate your comments. Thanks
To: 39-Year-Old Dialysis Patient:
Strontium is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min). No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (30-70 ml/min creatinine clearance).
Please talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
To: Anonymous Poster of 04/19/11:
I think you mean Ortho Molecular Pro Bono. I am not familiar with this product. If it combines strontium citrate with calcium, I would not take it because calcium and strontium compete for absorption. Also, some products do not contain the amount of strontium stated on the label. I take Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker and KAL Extra Strength Calcium/Magnesium at different times of the day. Calcium and strontium intake should be separated by at least two hours.
I believe strontium citrate is as effective as strontium ranelate because the elemental strontium is the active ingredient in both, and strontium citrate should be absorbed at least as well, if not better, than strontium ranelate. I do not have proof of the efficacy of strontium citrate. That is why we are all waiting for the results of UCD's strontium citrate clinical trial.
Dear Bone Lady,
I am a 57 year old, post-menopausal woman, and my recent DEXA scan showed osteoporosis: -2.7 at femoral neck, and other readings in the osteopenia range. My doctor was unaware of strontium citrate and wants me to take Evista. I want to take strontium citrate. Can I take both Evista and strontium citrate at the same time (ie, over the same period of time, not the same time of day)?
Also, a friend of mine took NSI Strontium (680 mg total per day) and had good success. Do you know anything about this brand?
Thanks,
J
Joy, I do not think taking both Evista and strontium citrate is advisable for several reasons. One reason is that Evista has a significant risk of blood clots, and strontium has a small risk; so, taken together the risk would most likely be greater than for either substance alone. Another reason is that if you take both Evista and strontium, you and your doctor will not know which one improved your BMD. Yet another reason, and probably the most important one, is that there have been no clinical trials combining these two therapies. We simply do not know if they would complement each other or detract from each other.
I have heard of NSI Strontium and read about one person who said her BMD has improved with this product. That is all I know about that brand. I use Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker and my BMD has improved.
Dear Bonelady,
Thanks for your response to my question. Do we have any idea when the results of the UC/Davis trial will be available? And, how would we access that information, once it is released?
Thanks!
Joy,
Here is the latest update on the SCOPE clinical trial as of April 19, 2011:
"As far as I can tell, there are still no results on the SCOPE study. I know they have started to analyze the data. Hopefully, we'll know something soon. Thank you again, for your continued interest.
Kind regards,
Stephanie Burns"
To search for all active clinical trials at UCDavis:
http://ctscapps.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/clinicaltrials/trialSearch.aspx?type=all&search=
To read information on “CCRC: Effects Of Strontium Citrate On Bone Health In Women”:
http://ctscapps.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/clinicaltrials/trialDetail.aspx?protocol=200816430
Investigator: Lee, Jennifer
Department: Med Int Med- Endocrinology
IRB Number: 200816430
Start Recruitment: 3/1/2009
End Recruitment: 6/1/2010
Contact Information: Stephanie Burns (Ms. Burns is no longer project coordinator.)
To contact the lead investigator:
Jennifer S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., ph. 916/734-3835, mailing address Patient Support Services Bldg., 4150 V St., Suite G400, Sacramento, CA 95817
I emailed Dr. Lee twice and got no response. Perhaps she will respond to a phone call or letter.
Results of the study will most likely be posted on the UCDavis Medical Center website someday. I heard the study lost its coordinator due to budget cuts. I will post information on my blog as soon as I have it.
does Strontium Citrate improve bone loss around the teeth and in the jaw? I am a women of 79 years of age. Marion from Wisconsin
Marion,
It is believed that strontium can help to slow down bone loss and also help to build new bone. I assume the buildup of new bone occurs throughout the skeleton, including the jawbone. However, I am not aware of any clinical trials on reversing bone loss of the jaw with strontium salts.
I think it is certainly worth trying strontium citrate to see how it works for you. Strontium will not cause jaw necrosis as the bisphosphonates have been shown to do.
Also be sure you are getting sufficient calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K, and essential fatty acids from your diet and supplements. Do not take calcium and magnesium at the same time as the strontium. Separate them by at least two, and preferably, three hours.
Good luck to you.
BoneLady
Hi BoneLady,
Thank you for your posts. How long after taking Strontium Citrate can one eat something or a meal?
Thanks for your anticipated reply.
Lydia
Lydia,
After taking strontium, one should wait at least two hours before eating. Strontium is best taken at bedtime, at least two hours after food, milk or milk products, or calcium supplements.
Hi BoneLady,
I am 73 and after a compund fracture last year & Kyphoplasty am now on 6 Bone-up a day and 2 Strontium. After the Kyphoplasty (L-4) I have significant Osteoporosis and pain. I have found after months of Rehab that joing the Gym where I had rehab helps alot. My Dr believes strongly in the previous Meds since after months of study I refused the Osteo Drugs. I watched my Mom go thru terrible symptoms before finally stopping and getting on with her life.
To Anonymous of 1/6/2012,
I wish you a speedy recovery and much success with your strontium, Bone-Up, and gym exercise program.
I am a 60 year old woman and started on strontium Citrate two months ago. I have no clinical tests of osteo but considering my age I thought I start on them. My doctor told me not to take them because I am healthy enough and told me that prescription one a week osteo tablet contains strontium which on the other hand has side effects.Does Taking strontium Citrate benefits only osteo patients. Your reply will be much appreciated. Rita Smith
Dear Rita,
Ask your doctor to order a DXA scan. If the scan shows you have osteoporosis, take the full dose of strontium citrate (680 mg elemental strontium) daily. If the scan shows you have osteopenia, take a half dose of strontium citrate (340 mg elemental strontium) daily. If your scan shows normal bone density, be grateful and keep doing whatever you have been doing.
Do not take strontium or any other supplement unless you need it. Calcium is a good example. If you are getting 1200 mg calcium from your diet, you do not need to supplement with calcium. If you are not getting the full 1200 mg, supplement the amount you are not getting from your diet. For example, I estimated (using the IOF calcium calculator) that I get about 500 mg calcium from my diet; so, I supplement with 700 mg calcium.
Hi BoneLady,
My latest DXA scan shows continued deterioration (-3 lumbar, and hip and femoral neck -1.3) I started Boniva at 59 and was on it for almost 5 years with continuous pain, and gastric discomfort. altho DXA scans at first showed improvement, later ones showed weakening. I stopped Boniva last April and have been "winging it" with Ca, D3, and Mg. My endocronologist and obgyn want me to take Forteo for 2 years followed by Reclast. I'm desperate to find alternatives. My doctor just started me on Synthroid for a borderline thyroid condition. Do you know if it's okay to take strontium citrate while taking synthroid? You also suggest taking vitamin K, but which one and how much?
Thank you for your blog. It gives me hope.
To Anonymous of 3/7/2012,
Yes, it is definitely OK to take strontium citrate and thyroid medication. I take 50 mcg levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) and two capsules Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker (680 mg elemental strontium) daily. Although there is no known interaction, I don’t take them at the same time. I take strontium citrate between 9 and 10 pm, before going to bed. I take the thyroid medication in the early morning hours when I get up to use the bathroom during the night.
The only vitamin K supplement I take is the 80 mcg in my multivitamin; the form of vitamin K is not specified. I also eat either a salad or vegetable daily; so, I get vitamin K1 from my diet. Unfortunately, vitamin K1 is not known to decrease fractures.
The US FDA has not approved any form of vitamin K for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. However, MK4 has been shown to decrease fractures up to 87%.1 In the amount of 45 mg daily MK4 has been approved by the Ministry of Health in Japan since 1995 for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.2
Please note that 45 mg (milligrams, not micrograms) is a large amount of vitamin K2( MK4).
1. ^ a b Sato, Y; Kanoko T, Satoh K, Iwamoto J (2005). "Menatetrenone and vitamin D2 with calcium supplements prevent nonvertebral fracture in elderly women with Alzheimer's disease". Bone 36 (1): 61–8. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2004.09.018. PMID 15664003.
2. ^ a b c d Iwamoto, I; Kosha S, Noguchi S-i (1999). "A longitudinal study of the effect of vitamin K2 on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women a comparative study with vitamin D3 and estrogen-progestin therapy". Maturitas 31 (2): 161–164. doi:10.1016/S0378-5122(98)00114-5. PMID 10227010.
The COMB study, a Canadian clinical trial on micronutrients, used Vitamin K2 (non-synthetic MK7 form),100 ug/day. That’s micrograms (mcg or ug). Menaquinone-7 (MK7), which is abundant in fermented soybeans (natto), has been demonstrated to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. 3
3. ^ Yamaguchi M (November 2006). "Regulatory mechanism of food factors in bone metabolism and prevention of osteoporosis". Yakugaku Zasshi 126 (11): 1117–37. doi:10.1248/yakushi.126.1117. PMID 17077614. http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/yakushi/126/11/126_1117/_article.
On 19 February 2011, HSA (Singapore) approved a health supplement that contains vitamin K2 (MK7) and vitamin D3 for increasing bone mineral density.4
4. http://iabpi.com/fitness-natto-essence
There is much information about MK4 and MK7 on the internet, but not all sources are reliable. I am doing OK with the supplements I have been taking; so, I am hesitant to add yet another one.
Thank you BoneLady for your reply concerning synthroid and strontium citrate. I'm leaning towards trying the strontium supplements first and seeing what results I get before commiting to 2 years of Forteo; especially because my doctors want me to start immediately with Reclast or another bisphosphonate to "cement" whatever new bone growth I may have achieved after 2 years tme. It seems the only thing my doctors have to offer is a future of one drug regimen followed by another and continuing this vicious cycle rather than curing it. I'm hoping that strontium is way out of this nightmare. I've also considered Fosteum, but it seems that too may have its drawbacks although not as toxic as the osteo drugs.
If you have any additional suggestions as to how to start taking these supplemnts I would appreciate it. Do I just dive in with the full dosages, or should I work my way up slowly?
Thanks again BoneLady!!
To Anonymous of 03/08/2012,
I’m so glad you wrote me back because I have a few comments to add. I have been separating my medications and supplements by as much time as possible because it seemed the prudent thing to do. I realized how right I was when my pharmacy added the following label to my thyroid medication: “Take this medication at least 4 hours before taking antacids, iron, or vitamin/mineral supplements.”
The fine print on my multivitamin lists phylloquinone as an ingredient. That is vitamin K1. I am not taking vitamin K2 (MK4 or MK7), but I am reading as much as I can about it.
When I started taking strontium citrate four years ago, I took the full dosage (680 mg elemental strontium in two capsules of Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker) at night. I got a bit constipated, but, after increasing my fiber intake, the problem went away. Some people start with half a dose (340 mg strontium) for awhile to see how their system adjusts to it and then increase to the full dosage. You know yourself better than I do.
I hope the strontium citrate and other supplements work for you. I would hate to take Forteo, and I would not take Reclast, which I believe is the worst of the bisphosphonates because it is such a large dose at one time and will stay in your system for a long time. I have heard of Fosteum, but I do not know how effective it is in treating osteoporosis.
I don’t know what other supplements and medications (other than synthroid) you are taking. Be sure to use reliable brands, and space everything out throughout the day as much as possible. Separate the strontium from calcium supplements and calcium-containing foods in order to get the best strontium absorption.
If you have any further questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact me. I wish you all the best. We are in this together.
I've had more good news on the bone density front. After 3 years of taking strontium my bone density has improved 14% in the spine and 10% in the hips. I'm now back in the normal range!
Very happy. Thanks for sharing your research.
Dragonfly,
Congratulations! Wow! Your're back in the normal range for BMD after 3 years on strontium. Thank you for the update and for sharing your good news.
I am a 78yr old woman.I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 30 years ago. I took fosmax for 15 years, quiting when my friend developed crumbling jaw.She had taken Fosmax also. I heard about Strontium Citrate and ordered it from "Vitacost" Co. I have read all your blogs.Please tell me if "Vitacost" Co is OK to order from. 680mg, with Hypromellosse, cellulose, stearic acid and magnesium. take 2 vegetarian capsules a day. Thank you, DorisAnn Hestley
DorisAnn,
I know many people who order supplements from vitacost.com and say they are satisfied with the service. I am glad you included the dosage of strontium and the other ingredients so I could see that you ordered Vitacost Strontium, the supplier's own brand. The 680 mg strontium in two capsules is the optimum daily dosage recommended for osteoporosis. The inactive ingredients--hypromellose (vegetarian capsule),cellulose, stearic acid and magnesium stearate--are all fine.
I have never used this product, however, and I have not heard from others who have. I cannot attest to the quality of the product other than to say that the ingredients, as stated on the label, are all OK.
I use Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker, which is also sold by vitacost. I get mine at www.iherb.com. I know many people currently taking Doctor's Best with good results.
I wish you all the best and thank you for following my blog.
Have you heard of bones leaching calcium and forming calcifications on tge bones? I'm 56 years old and was diagnosed with osteoporosis around 3 years ago. My natureopath upped my calcium intake and my vit D. Last year the Styloid Bone at the base of my skull was elongated and calcified and grew so long it impinged the carotid artery and then lodged into my jaw bone. Also the styloid ligament calcified. I had surgery which involved external and oral insisions to remove the calcifications. Then 2 months ago I had another DXA and found my levels are negative 2.5 in the hips, back and neck. 3 weeks ago I had shoulder surger to remove a large mass of calcification that tore up the tendons. I am scheduled to have surgery on the other shoulder December 26.
I am considering Strontium but with all I've read I don't know if this will stop the leaching and only cause more calcification. Any input would be great.
Thanks, Ginger
Ginger,
No, bones do not leach calcium. Bones and teeth are the store houses of calcium. One to two percent of your body weight is calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body. Ninety-nine percent of this calcium is in teeth and bones. The other one percent is found in blood, extra cellular fluids, and within cells of all tissues where it regulates key metabolic functions.
A small percentage of the population will suffer from an elongation of the styloid process (a slender pointed piece of bone just below the ear) and stylohyoid ligament calcification. This condition is known as Eagle syndrome, a rare condition where an elongated temporal styloid process(more than 30mm) is in conflict with the adjacent anatomical structures. The cause of this condition remains unknown.
Calcific tendonitis is a condition that causes the formation of a small, usually about 1-2 centimeter size, calcium deposit within the tendons of the rotator cuff. These calcium deposits are usually found in patients at least 30-40 years old, and are more common in diabetics. The cause of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon is not entirely understood.
Calcifications can be caused by inflammation or elevated levels of blood calcium, known as hypercalcemia. Calcification can be part of a normal healing response to musculoskeletal injuries. Calcifications are often found in arteries affected by arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), in benign and malignant breast processes, at sites of bone or cartilage injury, and sometimes within cancers.
Several factors increase the risk of developing abnormal calcification. These risk factors include: alcoholism, autoimmune disorders, genetic history of a calcium metabolism disorder, and internal tissue injuries that cause inflammatory reactions.
You should seek the advice of a medical doctor. He should check your blood calcium and vitamin D level and check for autoimmune and calcium metabolism disorders. I would not start taking strontium at this time. I hope the New Year is full of blessings for you. For more information, follow these links:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090831184032AA4iQJp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporal_styloid_process
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_syndrome
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/rotatorcuff/a/calcific.htm
http://www.localhealth.com/article/calcification/causes
I have had 2 injections of Prolia at 6 month interludes. Four months after the first one i was told i had developed several cavities and my nails were breaking. I did not make a possible connection to Prolia until January of this year. I called Prolia and was told this is unusual! I asked when the drug would be out of my system and was told around the end of the 4th month [April]. It is now \june and my nails are no longer breaking. I want to try a year of strontium citrate but am concerned about the dosage. I take K2, calcium and Vit d [2-3K]. I am having a bone density done in 2 weeks to see what the effect of Prolia has been on my osteopenia condition. Would it be alright to just take 360mg instead of 720mg or will that not provide adequate supplement?
suzanjane,
A dosage of 680 mg strontium is considered optimal for osteoporosis. A half dose is fine for osteopenia. For best absorption, take your strontium on an empty stomach away from calcium, magnesium and antacids.
I'm sorry to hear about your problems with Prolia. I had never heard of the side effects you mentioned, but I am aware of other effects that are far worse. Serious infections and skin inflammations are fairly common. There's a considerable list of serious problems.
Good luck with the strontium. I have been on strontium citrate (680 mg strontium) for seven years now. I went from osteoporosis to osteopenia. It's been nearly two years since my last DXA scan, and I am probably in the normal range now because I was close to normal last time. I prefer to stay at the full dosage until I am well into the normal range and then take a half dose as a maintenance dose.
For some brands, 720 mg strontium is a full dose and 360 mg a half dose. For my brand, Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker, 680 mg is a full dose and 340 mg is a half dose. Don't worry about the small differences in the numbers.
Thank you for responding so quickly. I will try the 1/2 dose and I will see what my bone density is showing after this year of prolia. I know the tooth decay and nail breaking is unusual and apparently rare but as i told the prolia people that is my middle name!
I will be using Dr Best's 340.
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