Skeleton Pirate

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.






Blog Archive

Monday, March 28, 2016

Strontium Interaction with Calcium and Food and Antacids



Most of us taking strontium know that for maximum absorption strontium must be taken at least two hours away from calcium supplements and dairy foods. Actually, strontium is best absorbed on an empty stomach, defined as at least two hours after eating. Food, milk and derivative products, and medicinal products containing calcium may reduce the bioavailability of strontium by about 60-70%.

Many are unaware that antacids should be taken at least two hours AFTER strontium. A study has shown that taking antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide either together with strontium or two hours before strontium causes a 20-25% decrease in strontium absorption.

Here is a direct quote from Servier’s Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Protelos (strontium ranelate):

“An in vivo clinical interaction study showed that the administration of aluminium and magnesium hydroxides either two hours before or together with strontium ranelate caused a slight decrease in the absorption of strontium ranelate (20-25% AUC decrease), while absorption was almost unaffected when the antacid was given two hours after strontium ranelate. It is therefore preferable to take antacids at least two hours after Protelos. However, when this dosing regimen is impractical due to the recommended administration of Protelos at bedtime, concomitant intake remains acceptable.”




Monday, March 21, 2016

Strontium for Knee Osteoarthritis



“Preliminary research suggests that strontium may also benefit arthritic joints by stimulating cartilage formation, among other possible mechanisms. In a large study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2013, people with knee osteoarthritis took strontium ranelate (1 or 2 grams a day) or a placebo for three years. Both strontium groups showed less joint space narrowing on X-rays (indicating slower disease progression) than the placebo group. The higher-dose group also had improvements in knee pain and physical functioning.”

Below is an edited abstract:

Background Strontium ranelate is currently used for osteoporosis. The international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Strontium ranelate Efficacy in Knee OsteoarthrItis triAl evaluated its effect on radiological progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods Patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3, and joint space width (JSW) 2.5–5 mm) were randomly allocated to strontium ranelate 1 g/day (n=558), 2 g/day (n=566) or placebo (n=559). The primary endpoint was radiographical change in JSW (medial tibiofemoral compartment) over 3 years versus placebo. Secondary endpoints included radiological progression, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and knee pain. The trial is registered (ISRCTN41323372).

Results The intention-to-treat population included 1371 patients. Treatment with strontium ranelate was associated with smaller degradations in JSW than placebo (1 g/day: −0.23 mm; 2 g/day: −0.27 mm; placebo: −0.37 mm); treatment-placebo differences were 0.14 for 1 g/day and 0.10 for 2 g/day. Fewer radiological progressors were observed with strontium ranelate for 1 and 2 g/day. There were greater reductions in total WOMAC score, pain subscore, physical function subscore and knee pain with strontium ranelate 2 g/day. Strontium ranelate was well tolerated.

Conclusions Treatment with strontium ranelate 1 and 2 g/day is associated with a significant effect on structure in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a beneficial effect on symptoms for strontium ranelate 2 g/day.





Wandering Skeleton

Wandering Skeleton
Artist: Joel Hoekstra

Osteoporotic Bone

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.