Strontium, not to be confused with radioactive strontium-90, can be used to treat osteoporosis. Strontium is a metal found in the Earth's crust, water and sea water. It can also be found in the bones and connective tissues of the human body. Strontium is generally safe and effective with minimal side effects; however, you should talk with your doctor before taking it.
Safety
Strontium is generally both safe and effective. In 2006, researchers from the Ottawa Hospital Division of Rheumatology analyzed a number of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of strontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. They published their findings in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in October 2006.
Patients studied received strontium as either a treatment or a preventative. Both groups showed an increase in bone mineral density and a decrease in vertebral and nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures. The most commonly reported side effect was diarrhea, although researchers noted there was an indication that larger doses of strontium, 2 g daily for 3 to 4 years, may cause vascular and neurological side effects; researchers recommend additional study of these potential side effects.
Side Effects
In a British study authored by G.M. Blake and I. Fogelman, researchers studied 1,649 postmenopausal women who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis. The study lasted 3 years, and the results were published in "Clinical Interventions in Aging" in 2006. Researchers found that treatment with strontium reduced the risk of hip fractures and improved bone density. The most commonly reported side effects among patients receiving strontium were nausea and diarrhea; the incidence of side effects among patients taking strontium was not significantly different from patients receiving a placebo.
Researchers S. Lam and K. Zouzias compared four clinical trials using strontium ranelate for osteoporosis and published their findings in the "The Consultant Pharmacist" in 2008. These researchers also found that the side effects most frequently reported from taking strontium were nausea and diarrhea.
Any medication or supplement can cause unexpected reactions including allergic reactions. If you are taking strontium and notice any unusual symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor right away.
Contraindications
While strontium appears to be safe, there are people who should avoid it. If you have a history of blood clots in your veins, including venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism or a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), or you have a blood disorder that puts you at increased risk of blood clots, such as factor V leiden or antiphospholipid syndrome, you should not take strontium. Strontium may increase the risk of blood clots. If you have decreased kidney function, you should not take strontium.
Pregnant women, lactating women and children should not take strontium. If you are taking oral tetracyclines or quinolone antibiotics, taking strontium could reduce their absorption.
Always talk with your doctor before starting or stopping any prescription or over-the-counter medication, supplement or treatment.
References
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Strontium Ranelate for Preventing and Treating Postmenopausal Osteoporosis; S. O'Donnell et al.; October 2006; 19(4), CD005326
- Clinical Interventions in Aging; Strontium Ranelate: A Novel Treatment for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Review of Safety and Efficacy; G.M. Blake, I. Fogelman; 2006; 1(4), 367-75
- The Consultant Pharmacist; Strontium Ranelate for the Management of Osteoporosis; S. Lam, K. Zouzias; July 2008; 23(7), 531-7
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