STRONTIUM BUILDS BONES
A little known mineral that increases bone density is strontium. The earliest research done in Germany 100 years ago showed that strontium promoted rapid formation of bone. Subsequent studies showed that a calcium and strontium combination produced superior bone building results compared to calcium supplementation alone. A 1959 Mayo clinic study showed that every patient with severe painful osteoporosis improved on strontium supplementation. At this point, no more research was published until the early 1980’s. Following supplementation, bone biopsies of 6 people put on strontium showed increased bone formation and no change in bone resorption.
A European drug that combines strontium with a synthetic patentable substance called ranelic acid is available. Studies using strontium combined with carbonate, lactate or gluconate have all shown positive responses to promote denser bone. Taking a synthetic form of strontium is unnecessary and likely to cause side effects. Several recent randomized double blind studies of strontium supplementation versus placebo all show significant increase in bone density and decrease in fracture rates compared to placebo. Side effects of strontium appear to be no greater than placebo rates thus indicating a safe profile. Doses of up to 1,700 milligrams daily have been used. Using high doses of strontium without any calcium caused bony deformities in animal studies so be sure to take calcium in higher doses than the strontium.
Foods do not have enough strontium to be able to get high amounts in dietary intake. Strontium Support by Advanced Orthomolecular Research of Calgary, Canada is available online and contains 227 milligrams of strontium in the citrate form. Any person taking such high doses should be under the medical supervision if a physician and have regular bone density testing done.
Daniel Blodgett MD