Q: I want to learn the truth about the effectiveness of strontium. My endocrinologist says strontium available in the United States does nothing to increase bone mass like the strontium sold in Europe does. She also said it will never be approved safe in the US. Am I wasting my money buying strontium? I am 68 and have osteo caused by a bad parathyroid. I go to the gym three times a week and take calcium and vitamin D.
A: Strontium was discovered in 1808 and named after a town in Scotland. It is reported to have been used safely as a medicinal substance for more than 100 years. Natural strontium is a non-radioactive element, of which almost 100% in the human body is concentrated in our bones; however, there are several different forms of the element. Radioactive strontium-89, for example, is administered intravenously to some patients diagnosed with prostate and/or advanced bone cancer. Strontium ranelate is being tested to determine if it can be taken orally in pill form to treat bones that are thinning from osteoporosis. Research suggests it may have the capability of jump-starting the formation of collagen and cartilage in joints. Strontium chloride which is an ingredient in some dietary supplements is the most common form; however, there isn’t sufficient scientific information available regarding its effectiveness. Strontium chloride hexahydrate is an added ingredient in some toothpastes to reduce sensitivity issues and is also found naturally in public drinking water sources in relatively high levels.
One 1959 study by researchers at Mayo Clinic investigated the effect of the element in 32 individuals with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Each patient received 1.7 grams per day as strontium lactate. Eighty-four % of the patients involved reported marked relief of bone pain, while the remaining 16% reported moderate improvement. No appreciable side effects were reported, even three years into the program. X-rays taken from the beginning of the project to the end revealed a “probable” increase in bone mass in 78% of the cases. Keep in mind that a measurement of bone mass 54 years ago may not have been as sophisticated and revealing as CT scanning or a DEXA, (dual photon absorptiometry) is today; however, at the time the research was considered breakthrough.
Another study involved almost 1,650 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis who received either the real thing coupled with calcium and vitamin D or a placebo for three years. The results on those on strontium? Fewer fractures, a risk reduction of almost 50% in the first year of treatment and 41% during the full three year study period. Lumbar bone mineral density figures were up by 14.4% and an increase of 8.3% in the femoral neck density was noted.
Based on numerous studies, The Bone and Cartilage Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospital in Liege, Belgium, indicates strontium in doses up to 1.7 g/day appears to offer a safe, effective and inexpensive approach to preventing and reversing osteoporosis and may be of benefit in patients with osteoarthritis and cancer with bone metastases, as well as possibly helping with dental cavities.
FDA scares of exposure from nuclear medicine scans and radioactive strontium 90 fallout following nuclear testing in our country years ago may be why your endocrinologist indicates strontium is unavailable in our country, so let’s consider a different tack. Dietary strontium can be found in whole grains, leafy and root vegetables, legumes, and seafood. Were I you, I would prefer to eat a well-balanced, healthful diet and leave the supplement on the shelf. Take your calcium supplement with vitamin D added and stay active. You might be glad you did.
Other readers who are interested in related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Osteoporosis” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Dr. Gott’s Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
