Strontium

Strontium - What Is It?

Did you know that strontium has been used for years in Europe to promote healthy bone aging? So, what is it you may ask? It is a trace element that offers very unique benefits to bone health, structure and function, and is naturally found alongside calcium in many foods.

strontium resembles calcium at the molecular level, so is metabolized much like calcium is inside the body. Once ingested, strontium concentrates in the skeletal system, where, research has shown, it works in tandem with calcium, to help decrease the number of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone), so slows the breakdown of bones, while multiplying the number of osteoblasts (bone-building cells), so speeds up the formation of new bone.

Strontium has further been shown to up-regulate the synthesis of bone matrix and collagen. Because of these unique features, this mineral is often recommended to help prevent bone loss, help increase bone mass, and as part of a treatment plan for osteoporosis, as well as to help heal fractures. Newer research suggests that strontium may also boost the formation of collagen and cartilage in joints, potentially offering additional benefits to health. And interestingly, it's often added to toothpaste for sensitive teeth!

Benefits of Strontium

• Increases Bone Density
• Inhibits Bone Break Down & Speeds Up Bone Formation
• Supports Optimal Musculoskeletal Health

Who Needs A Strontium Supplement?

Naturopaths will typically recommend this mineral to help prevent or slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, as well as to encourage the formation of new bone. Strontium will also often be recommended as part of a complex protocol for the treatment of osteoporosis and the prevention of fractures.

Strontium Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency

We already consume anywhere from 1 - 5 mg of strontium via our diet, and the most common recommended supplement dose for boosting bone health is in the 680-750 mg daily range.

For osteoporosis treatment, 0.5-2 g of strontium ranelate has been effectively used, with the highest dose (2 g) reportedly providing the most benefits.

Because this supplement does come with some precautions, it’s important to first speak with your health care provider to discuss whether it may be right for you, and which dose to use.

Forms

Strontium supplements are typically found as either citrate or chloride forms, which offer similar absorption and efficacy.

Strontium ranelate is another form that is sold in Europe and Australia, as a recommendation for osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Formats

Strontium supplements are available in tablet, capsule, or softgel forms.

Choosing The Right Supplement

Strontium supplementation can help you not only inhibit the excessive breakdown of existing bone down, as well as speed up bone formation but can also enhance the body's ability to build new bone. If you are concerned about bone health, speak to your health care provider about adding strontium to your daily supplement regimen, and don’t forget to include other synergistic bone support nutrients like silica and Vitamin D to maximize effects.