I take one of each supplement daily,
except for strontium. I take two capsules of strontium per day.
1.
Bluebonnet Lecithin, 1365 mg in one softgel
2. Solgar Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, 1000 mg per tablet
3. Country Life, Gluten Free, Calcium Magnesium Complex (500 mg Ca, 250
mg Mg per tablet)
4. Doctor’s Best Lutein with Optilut, 20 mg lutein esters yielding 10 mg
minimum of free lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin per capsule
5. AOR Strontium Support II, 341 mg strontium (from citrate) per capsule
(two capsules daily)
6. Nature Made Multi for Him, No Iron (Not a typo. My husband and I both
take this multivitamin.)
7. Nature Made Vitamin C, 500 mg
8. Solgar Natural Vitamin E (as d-Alpha Tocopherol plus d-Beta,
d-Delta and d-Gamma Tocopherols), 400 IU
9. Nature’s Way Primadophilus bifidus (This is a probiotic.)
10. Solgar Sublingual
Methylcobalamin, 5000 mcg
11. Solgar Zinc (as zinc
gluconate), 50 mg
I have made a few changes since my last daily supplements update on June 11, 2015:
http://strontiumforbones.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-daily-supplements.html
The most significant change was the switch from Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker to AOR Strontium Support II. I made this change after Doctor’s Best was sold to a Chinese company and before discovering that Doctor's Best Strontium was discontinued in July 2016 (60- and 120-count bottles) and September 2016 (360-count bottle).
I reduced my dosage of Bluebonnet Lecithin from two to one softgel, which is a serving per the label. Many years earlier, I had been taking three softgels per day. The reason for my latest dosage reduction is that there is currently some controversy about the health benefits of lecithin. I’ve been taking it for many years for cardiovascular health.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecithin
See the introduction and the
section on “Biology” in Wikipedia for an overview of lecithin, choline, and
phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholines, a class of phospholipids that
incorporate choline as a head group.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26108618 “Effects
of choline on health across the life course: a systematic review.”
I also switched from Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E to Solgar
Vitamin E, from Twin Labs Zinc to Solgar Zinc, and from Country Life Citrus
Bioflavonoids and Rutin to Solgar Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex. These changes
were due solely to unavailability at my online supplement distributor,
iherb.com, which no longer stocks Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E or Twin Labs Zinc.
Country Life Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rutin is out of stock at iherb.com until 12/25/2016.
I may buy whichever bioflavonoid brand is available when I reorder.
I like my
supplier’s next day air expedited shipping (at extra cost) because some
vitamins and supplements are heat labile. I am unhappy with its
current policy of giving a discount, based on total amount of current invoice, for
my NEXT purchase rather than for my CURRENT purchase, as was previously done.
This policy has raised my costs.
23 comments:
What made AOR Strontium II stand out from the rest. I notice you don't use Life Extension products?
Dear Marilyn Pinkerton,
You’re right. I don’t use any Life Extension products. If I were to take a vitamin K supplement, I would certainly consider Life Extension Super K with Advanced K2 complex.
Reasons I chose AOR strontium citrate to replace Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker:
1. In 2002, AOR was the first company in the world to produce supplemental strontium citrate for bone health. This information is on the company’s website.
2. The amounts of strontium per capsule are 340 mg for Doctor’s Best and 341 mg for AOR. Two capsules per day of either product provide the most effective dosage for those with osteoporosis.
3. AOR Strontium Support II contains strontium citrate and no other ingredients. In other words, there are no fillers. The capsule is composed of hypromellose and water.
4. I have read reports from several people who have taken AOR strontium and have had improved results on their DXA scans. These were not product reviewers. They were people on an online forum for osteoporosis.
Reasons I prefer AOR Strontium Support II to Life Extension Strontium:
1. I don’t know when Life Extension began producing its strontium citrate product, and it doesn’t matter, but it definitely wasn’t the first company to do so because AOR was.
2. Life Extension Strontium Caps come in 250-mg capsules, with a serving size of three capsules (total of 750 mg strontium). I don’t want to take three capsules per day, and two capsules contain only 500 mg strontium, which is short of the 680-mg optimum dosage determined from multiple clinical studies.
3. Life Extension Strontium contains microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable stearate and silica. It also contains corn. The capsule is made of vegetable cellulose. I prefer a product with no fillers, although Doctor’s Best Strontium also contained fillers.
4. I have not read any reports, other than those of product reviewers, from people who have successfully used Life Extension Strontium for at least one year. This may change in the future, as more people find alternatives to Doctor’s Best Strontium Bone Maker, which was one of the most popular brands, probably the most popular brand, of strontium citrate for many years.
When i first started w strontium citrate i asked if 1 a day would be sufficient for me with osteopenia. You agreed and i have done this for 2 years now. my latest bone density numbers are: lumbar -0.8 Hip -1.2. I will now start using AOR Strontium Support II and wonder if i could reduce to one every other day? I was relieved to find that this strontium citrate is available in Canada!
suzanjane,
Your current T-scores of -0.8 at the lumbar spine and -1.2 at the hip indicate that your spine is in the lower end of the normal range, and your hip is still in the osteopenia stage. I would continue with one strontium citrate tablet daily until your next DXA scan and until all your scores are well into the normal ranges. You have done very well, and I am hoping your gains continue.
Thanks for your prompt response. AOR SS II en route to me now!
i think i need to increase my Strontium to 2 a day. My test last month shows
-.09 at spine an decrease of.01 and -1.6 at the hip a decrease of .03 over 2018 results which i did not send last year. i also take 500mg calcium, K2 and 2000 units of vit D AND am quite active.Do you think this move to 2 will help at all?
hi not sure if i have repeated this message but
my latest scan shows reduction of bone density in spine now -1.0 and hip -1.6
last year spine was -.09 and hip was -1.3. i am increasing my calcium to 1000mg on the days when i am not eting a lot of cheese which i tend to do. am not sure if i should take 2 strontium. or should i not be concerned?
suzanjane,
The most effective dose of strontium is about 680 mg/day. So, yes, increasing your AOR SS II to two capsules per day is a good idea. More than 11 years ago, I started with two capsules/day for my osteoporosis and have continued taking that dosage even after my scores were in the osteopenia stage, as they are today.
Even DXA scans on the same individual performed on the same day on the same machine by the same technician can vary somewhat. So, do not be too concerned by small changes. They may not be significant, but to compare your scores from one scan to the next, use g/cm2, not T-scores, which are calculated based on comparing your BMD to that of a healthy young adult of the same age and are not linear.
The total amount of calcium per day for a woman age 50+ should be about 1200 mg. So, if you are only getting 200 mg on the days when you do not eat cheese, then 1000 mg of a Ca supplement would be OK, but remember that food is a better Ca choice than supplements. I take one tablet daily of a Ca/Mg supplement with 500 mg Ca and 250 mg Mg. I drink 12 oz fat-free milk daily and frequently eat fat-free, plain, Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese.
Please excuse my delay in getting back to you. For some reason, your last two comments were flagged as spam and I only saw them today.
i was so pleased to see this response!.. thank you.
when i did the calculation using the g/cm2 things looked very minimal:
lumber spine .004 and hip .035; so hip a bit of a problem but i think maybe calcium increase may address that. i will consider adding another strontium but am not sure yet. i do have milk every day but 3.25bf and never low fat cheeses, i have high 'good' cholesterol so far at 77. i also take 250mg every day plus K2 and 2000 vit d.
thank you again for your response and help with this.
I can’t seem to add a comment, just reply, but suzanjane is a friend and has suggested I talk to you. Can I do it here or maybe show me how I can get in myself to start a conversation??
I’m not sure my first response went so trying again. I can’t seem to get into the bone lady bog to ask a question? My grind suzanjane sent me this link but I can only respond here 🤷♀️ can you help me/direct me to where I can tell my story please?
Buzzie44, You are in my blog. So, ask your question.
I’m having so much trouble even finding g you again I had to ask Susan Jane to send the link again. I’m on Arimidex and now have osteoporosis in my femurs and spine, latest test showed -2.9 femurs, -3.3 spine. I don’t want to take Prolia which is all my Greek oncologist can recommend apparently, now my Italian oncologist is suggesting Alendronate 70 mg weekly which I am looking into but I cannot find for sale here in Italy strontium citrate (not even on Amazon) , altho I’ll keep looking. Can you help me?
Buzzie44, Bisphosphonates like risedronate (Actonel) or ibandronate (Boniva) and denosumab (Prolia) are recommended treatments for anastrozole-induced bone loss. The quickest way to get items delivered to Italy is by using Amazon.it. Ordering from Amazon.com for delivery to Italy can take weeks and involves customs.
https://www.amazon.it/-/en/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GNWCU626A4NXEEGJ
Strontium citrate is a supplement so no doctor here will recommend it or help me if I start taking it, my oncologist says she’s treating my cancer not my osteoporosis. My Italian doctors won’t discuss alternative medicines. If I went on strontium citrate I’d be on my own with no medical help if I needed it 🤷♀️
To: Anonymous of January 12, 2026
Yes, strontium citrate is a supplement, and doctors practicing traditional medicine do not recommend it because they cannot prescribe it, whether they are in Italy or the USA. Those of us taking strontium citrate are on our own to an extent. I have never discussed strontium citrate or any other supplement with my doctors, but I have told each of my doctors (all primary care physicians) that I am taking it. I did not ask for their opionions or blessings. My PCPs have all continued to order my laboratory tests yearly and my DXA scans every two years. That is all the support I want or need from them. There are some doctors who practice holistic medicine and will prescribe, and even sell, strontium citrate to their patients. I have never found one of these doctors. They are probably more common in California and Oregon, which are more progressive states. Your oncologist is not the right person to treat your osteoporosis. Find a primary care doctor who will order you lab work and DXA scans. If you are uncomfortable taking a supplement without the "blessing" of an MD, then take their osteoporosis drugs.
What’s DXA please? Is Primary care doctor the same as a family doctor? What lab work is involved? I have an endocrinologist in Italy as well, he put me on D3 50,000 u.i. Every 2 weeks but not sure he’ll help with the calcium ( I had a casual conversation with a friend who informed me about adding K2 separately with the vitamin D, for more absorption so I wonder what else “they” don’t know. 🤷♀️ even my Ayurvedic doctor in Greece whom I’ve had for over 25 years can’t really advise as he’s already giving me all the herbs they have to help. I’m not fluent in Italian either which makes it more difficult because most of my doctors don’t speak much English either. It’s not the “blessing” I want but the info on how I know asap if I’m blessed with horrific side effects if I take the Prolia. I’m already on Arimidex (for lowering my estrogen) 3rd one I’ve tried, for another 4 years, this hormone inhibitor has caused the osteoporosis; the cure is worse than the disease, so I don’t want another domino effect if I can help it. I’m getting so used to the pain I don’t trust myself to catch the side effect(s). I also read a Vitamin D test should be taken b4 the Prolia injection , first I knew about that so…. Sinner heal thyself keeps coming to mind. Are there no side effects at all with strontium citrate? 20 power bags? Of it costs €54. So not inexpensive ( not sure if a power bag I one day or more? So I know l just need to make a decision soon
I am on Arimidex daily 1 mg. Last bone density test in Dec. was -2.9 femurs and -3.3 spine. I am also taking 50.000 u.i. Ditralia every 2 weeks, orally. If I go on strontium citrate how much should I take? What regular tests should I ask my family doctor to prescribe and how often to ensure early discovery of any side effects?
Andrea Thomas,
A DXA, or DEXA, scan is a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan, which is an imaging test using low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density (BMD). A Trabecular Bone Score (TBS), which assesses bone quality, can be done along with the DEXA scan. An Echolight REMS scan (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) is a bone density test that uses ultrasound technology to assess bone strength and quality. REMS was developed in Italy.
A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant (PA), who practices family medicine.
You asked what lab work is involved. The lab work done depends on the patient's needs and the doctor's preferences. I only get yearly basic tests--complete chemistry panel, which includes several tests; a lipid panel; and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). An endocrinologist would probably order more tests.
Yes, a vitamin D test (25-hydroxyvitamin D) is crucial before getting a Prolia injection (denosumab) to ensure adequate levels, typically aiming for above 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), to prevent severe hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and ensure effective treatment, with levels often checked before each injection. Your doctor will check vitamin D and calcium levels and may require correction with supplements before starting Prolia and potentially at follow-ups, especially if you have kidney issues.
Prolia lowers calcium: Denosumab (Prolia) stops bone-resorbing cells, which can also stop the release of calcium from bone, risking severe hypocalcemia.
Vitamin D deficiency increases risk: Low vitamin D levels significantly increase the risk of developing this severe low calcium, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Prolia can affect your immune system by increasing the risk of serious infections, especially skin, urinary tract, ear, and abdominal infections, as well as endocarditis, particularly at the start of treatment. It works by inhibiting RANKL, a protein important for immune cell function, which can suppress immune responses. People with weakened immune systems or who take other immunosuppressant drugs are at even higher risk, so prompt medical attention for signs of infection is crucial.
If you start Prolia and then stop taking it without taking an antiresorptive drug shortly thereafter, you are at risk for rebound fractures, especially of the spine.
I think Prolia is a horrible drug. I would never take it, but there are those who take it and do not have serious side effects.
I have never had side effects from strontium citrate, and most people experience no side effects. I have heard of rare cases of people developing a rash. Often, when they stop taking the supplement until the rash disappears and then change to another brand of strontium citrate, especially one without additives, the rash does not return. AOR Strontium Support II and AlgaeCal Strontium Boost have no additives. I have used AOR for years. I am currently using Terry Naturally Strontium, which has some additives, but I have no problem with the product.
I have no idea what a power bag is. Strontium citrate is in capsule form. Each capsule usually contains 340-341 mg of strontium (from strontium citrate). The capsules are in bottles holding 60 or 120 capsules.
Buzzie44,
The recommended dosage of strontium for osteoporosis is 680 mg strontium from about 2 grams of strontium citrate (SrC). Most SrC products contain 340 mg of strontium per capsule; so, you would take two capsules at night before going to bed. Taking it at night is suggested because it should be taken on an empty stomach and at least two hours away from calcium, magnesium, and antacids.
Most people experience no side effects on SrC. There are no laboratory tests for early discovery of side effects. Being aware of one's body and how it responds to new supplements and drugs is all that is necessary. The only laboratory tests I get are on a yearly basis and are quite basic and tailored to my health needs. I get a complete chemistry panel, a lipid panel (for hyperlipidemia), and a TSH (for hypothyroidism).
If I decide to take SrC, because I’m on Ditralia 50.000 u.i. Orally every 2 weeks, how often would I need to test my vitamin D? I’m also taking magnesium at nite b4 bed, should I change to mornings? Before or after breakfast? My last bone density test was December, do I wait a year or maybe at the beginning of it in 6 months? I will send you my options here for the pills when I read the details on my options. At the moment because of the 1 mg Arimidex I am taking I get a huge list of blood tests done every 3 months. Hopefully that can continue but I will have to see what the oncologist says if I refuse the Prolia. Stay tuned 😬
Buzzie44,
Whether or not you take SrC, a typical testing timeline for Ditralia 50,000 IU would be as follows:
After starting your 50,000 IU every two weeks (which is a high loading dose), your doctor will likely want a blood test 2-3 months later to see how your levels are responding and if you're approaching the target. If levels are good, you'll usually switch to a daily maintenance dose (like 1000-2000 IU/day). After starting maintenance, another test might be done 3-6 months later to ensure steady-state is achieved. Once levels are stable and sufficient, you might only need annual or twice-yearly checks, as Vitamin D is fat-soluble and stored in the body. This is just a typical timeline; you will need to follow your doctor's recommendations.
If you need magnesium for a good night's sleep, then keep taking it at night, and take your strontium in the morning at least two hours before or after breakfast. If you don't mind taking magnesium in the morning, you can take it with breakfast.
Two years is the usual time between bone density tests because bone density changes slowly, and, in the USA, Medicare typically pays for DEXA scans once every two years. It can be covered annually or more often if one's doctor deems it medically necessary due to specific risk factors like steroid use or vertebral fractures. I don't know how scans are covered by insurance in Italy.
I will definitely stay tuned!
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