1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Strontium citrate (Algaecal) and fractures

Posted by pami @pami, Apr 15 7:54am

I am looking to see if there are any studies done that show a reduced chance of fracture from using Strontium citrate (Algaecal) as opposed to calcium. Everything I have read only mentions increase of density using it. Does anyone have doctor input or a study showing an decrease in bone fractures?

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 15 12:38pm

Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent, scientific, peer reviewed study of Algaecal to give you as a reference, I went on a deep dive into the research of Strontium and its bone-building mechanism.
I found two very recent, apparently independent studies of how strontium is used by the body.

The first, "The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235140/ ) provided the following details:
"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily, taken as an oral suspension [40]. In clinical trials, the above dose was used for three years, and in follow-up studies, long-term results were noted after treatment lasting 5 to 10 years [41]. Strontium ranelate was, at one point, withdrawn from treatment due to reports of serious side effects. Information has emerged about the growth of cardiovascular risk and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Recently, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has issued an overview of how strontium ranelate can be used with many restrictions on its use..."

Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The conclusion by these scientists: "The mechanism of action of strontium is still not fully understood, which is a significant problem in modern science. However, the research that has been conducted to date has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism by which strontium ions work in the bone formation process. It seems that administering Sr locally can be very effective, with fewer side effects than systemic administration, and it can significantly improve the osseointegration of bone implants."
Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The takeaway - high doses of strontium, 2 grams per day in oral suspension, provided good benefits, but not without significant risks. Research continues...

A new article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732224000151#s00600 - is a PRELIMINARY study of how to influence the uptake of strontium at the cellular level in humans

So, what about AlgaeCal & it's companion Strontium Boost? The basic AlgaeCal supplement contains Calcium from algae, magnesium, vitamin D3 and a trace of strontium along with a number of other trace minerals. (https://www.algaecal.com/products/algaecal-basic/) AlgaeCal Strontium Boost contains 680 mg of strontium in capsule form, to be taken once a day. That is one-third the amount in the study referenced above, and not a liquid suspension.

The bottom line -
There is developing evidence that the form of calcium in red algae (algas calcareas)and other forms are more "bio-available" than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Strontium still offers big questions because consuming large amounts can have side effects.
Only you can decide whether the price tag on the AlgaeCal products are worthwhile for you - I think there company offers a money-back guarantee with certain limitations. Or whether you can find other less expensive algae-based supplements that have been tested for purity.

Sue

REPLY
4 replies
njhornung | @normahorn | Apr 15 2:27pm

"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily,"

That reads 2 g of strontium ranelate and not 2 grams of strontium. Big difference. The molecular weight of strontium ranelate is 513 while that of strontium is 87.62. The 2 g of strontium ranelate is equivalent to 340 mg Strontium.

REPLY
pami | @pami | Apr 15 2:28pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent, scientific, peer reviewed study of Algaecal to give you as a reference, I went on a deep dive into the research of Strontium and its bone-building mechanism.
I found two very recent, apparently independent studies of how strontium is used by the body.

The first, "The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235140/ ) provided the following details:
"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily, taken as an oral suspension [40]. In clinical trials, the above dose was used for three years, and in follow-up studies, long-term results were noted after treatment lasting 5 to 10 years [41]. Strontium ranelate was, at one point, withdrawn from treatment due to reports of serious side effects. Information has emerged about the growth of cardiovascular risk and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Recently, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has issued an overview of how strontium ranelate can be used with many restrictions on its use..."

Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The conclusion by these scientists: "The mechanism of action of strontium is still not fully understood, which is a significant problem in modern science. However, the research that has been conducted to date has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism by which strontium ions work in the bone formation process. It seems that administering Sr locally can be very effective, with fewer side effects than systemic administration, and it can significantly improve the osseointegration of bone implants."
Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The takeaway - high doses of strontium, 2 grams per day in oral suspension, provided good benefits, but not without significant risks. Research continues...

A new article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732224000151#s00600 - is a PRELIMINARY study of how to influence the uptake of strontium at the cellular level in humans

So, what about AlgaeCal & it's companion Strontium Boost? The basic AlgaeCal supplement contains Calcium from algae, magnesium, vitamin D3 and a trace of strontium along with a number of other trace minerals. (https://www.algaecal.com/products/algaecal-basic/) AlgaeCal Strontium Boost contains 680 mg of strontium in capsule form, to be taken once a day. That is one-third the amount in the study referenced above, and not a liquid suspension.

The bottom line -
There is developing evidence that the form of calcium in red algae (algas calcareas)and other forms are more "bio-available" than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Strontium still offers big questions because consuming large amounts can have side effects.
Only you can decide whether the price tag on the AlgaeCal products are worthwhile for you - I think there company offers a money-back guarantee with certain limitations. Or whether you can find other less expensive algae-based supplements that have been tested for purity.

Sue

Jump to this post

Thank you Sue! I appreciate your research and answers.

REPLY
windyshores | @windyshores | Apr 15 3:38pm

I do know that strontium is not recommended when you need to get help quickly. In Europe it is now restricted to those who can't take anything else, I believe . It is also unknown, to the best of my knowledge, what effect the ranelate from has versus the supplements sold here, or even if side effects are from the ranelate. Does anyone have a source on this?

The therapeutic dose in the US has been 680mg.....Was the study on 340mg done on the ranelate form?

REPLY
ripley | @ripley | Apr 16 10:37am
In reply to @sueinmn "Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent, scientific, peer reviewed study of Algaecal to give you as a reference, I went on a deep dive into the research of Strontium and its bone-building mechanism.
I found two very recent, apparently independent studies of how strontium is used by the body.

The first, "The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235140/ ) provided the following details:
"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily, taken as an oral suspension [40]. In clinical trials, the above dose was used for three years, and in follow-up studies, long-term results were noted after treatment lasting 5 to 10 years [41]. Strontium ranelate was, at one point, withdrawn from treatment due to reports of serious side effects. Information has emerged about the growth of cardiovascular risk and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Recently, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has issued an overview of how strontium ranelate can be used with many restrictions on its use..."

Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The conclusion by these scientists: "The mechanism of action of strontium is still not fully understood, which is a significant problem in modern science. However, the research that has been conducted to date has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism by which strontium ions work in the bone formation process. It seems that administering Sr locally can be very effective, with fewer side effects than systemic administration, and it can significantly improve the osseointegration of bone implants."
Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The takeaway - high doses of strontium, 2 grams per day in oral suspension, provided good benefits, but not without significant risks. Research continues...

A new article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732224000151#s00600 - is a PRELIMINARY study of how to influence the uptake of strontium at the cellular level in humans

So, what about AlgaeCal & it's companion Strontium Boost? The basic AlgaeCal supplement contains Calcium from algae, magnesium, vitamin D3 and a trace of strontium along with a number of other trace minerals. (https://www.algaecal.com/products/algaecal-basic/) AlgaeCal Strontium Boost contains 680 mg of strontium in capsule form, to be taken once a day. That is one-third the amount in the study referenced above, and not a liquid suspension.

The bottom line -
There is developing evidence that the form of calcium in red algae (algas calcareas)and other forms are more "bio-available" than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Strontium still offers big questions because consuming large amounts can have side effects.
Only you can decide whether the price tag on the AlgaeCal products are worthwhile for you - I think there company offers a money-back guarantee with certain limitations. Or whether you can find other less expensive algae-based supplements that have been tested for purity.

Sue

Jump to this post

I use an algae based calcium supplement, New Chapter Bone Strength. A daily serving of 3 pills has 905mg calcium, vitamins D3, K1, K2, magnesium and a trace of Stronium which occurs naturally in the algae. A 40 day supply on Amazon is $40. I've used it since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 6 years ago and my DEXA scores have remained stable. I am due for another DEXA in a couple weeks.

REPLY
1 reply
pami | @pami | Apr 16 10:44am
In reply to @ripley "I use an algae based calcium supplement, New Chapter Bone Strength. A daily serving of 3..." + (show)
@ripley

I use an algae based calcium supplement, New Chapter Bone Strength. A daily serving of 3 pills has 905mg calcium, vitamins D3, K1, K2, magnesium and a trace of Stronium which occurs naturally in the algae. A 40 day supply on Amazon is $40. I've used it since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 6 years ago and my DEXA scores have remained stable. I am due for another DEXA in a couple weeks.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I am going to look into New Chapter Bone Strength.

REPLY
vgkime | @vgkime | Apr 16 8:43pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent, scientific, peer reviewed study of Algaecal to give you as a reference, I went on a deep dive into the research of Strontium and its bone-building mechanism.
I found two very recent, apparently independent studies of how strontium is used by the body.

The first, "The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235140/ ) provided the following details:
"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily, taken as an oral suspension [40]. In clinical trials, the above dose was used for three years, and in follow-up studies, long-term results were noted after treatment lasting 5 to 10 years [41]. Strontium ranelate was, at one point, withdrawn from treatment due to reports of serious side effects. Information has emerged about the growth of cardiovascular risk and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Recently, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has issued an overview of how strontium ranelate can be used with many restrictions on its use..."

Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The conclusion by these scientists: "The mechanism of action of strontium is still not fully understood, which is a significant problem in modern science. However, the research that has been conducted to date has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism by which strontium ions work in the bone formation process. It seems that administering Sr locally can be very effective, with fewer side effects than systemic administration, and it can significantly improve the osseointegration of bone implants."
Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The takeaway - high doses of strontium, 2 grams per day in oral suspension, provided good benefits, but not without significant risks. Research continues...

A new article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732224000151#s00600 - is a PRELIMINARY study of how to influence the uptake of strontium at the cellular level in humans

So, what about AlgaeCal & it's companion Strontium Boost? The basic AlgaeCal supplement contains Calcium from algae, magnesium, vitamin D3 and a trace of strontium along with a number of other trace minerals. (https://www.algaecal.com/products/algaecal-basic/) AlgaeCal Strontium Boost contains 680 mg of strontium in capsule form, to be taken once a day. That is one-third the amount in the study referenced above, and not a liquid suspension.

The bottom line -
There is developing evidence that the form of calcium in red algae (algas calcareas)and other forms are more "bio-available" than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Strontium still offers big questions because consuming large amounts can have side effects.
Only you can decide whether the price tag on the AlgaeCal products are worthwhile for you - I think there company offers a money-back guarantee with certain limitations. Or whether you can find other less expensive algae-based supplements that have been tested for purity.

Sue

Jump to this post

https://goevomed.libsyn.com/contrversies-in-nutrition-nac-strontium-and-fish-oil
This podcast says it all about the efficacy and safety of strontium citrate.

REPLY
windyshores | @windyshores | Apr 17 9:53am

The podcast posted by @vgkime confirms the effect on DEXA scores (he said Z scores which made me wonder about him, since we all look at T scores, but....) but says that the goal of treatment is not higher DEXA scores, but denser bone and less fracture risk. He says strontium achieves both. He clarifies that is not a nutritional supplement but a medicinal one. The DEXA score CAN be adjusted but he did not mention that.

One other point he made was that it should be reserved for older women dealing with bone density deficiencies, not for younger women.

REPLY
rnrnrn55 | @rnrnrn55 | Apr 17 9:54am

Strontium citrate and algaecal are 2 separate entities. I use algaecal plus and strontium. I do not take together as per instructions

REPLY
oitsu62 | @oitsu62 | Apr 17 5:55pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Since this question has repeatedly been discussed on the forum, and I have found no independent, scientific, peer reviewed study of Algaecal to give you as a reference, I went on a deep dive into the research of Strontium and its bone-building mechanism.
I found two very recent, apparently independent studies of how strontium is used by the body.

The first, "The Influence of Strontium on Bone Tissue Metabolism and Its Application in Osteoporosis Treatment" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235140/ ) provided the following details:
"The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 2 g of strontium ranelate daily, taken as an oral suspension [40]. In clinical trials, the above dose was used for three years, and in follow-up studies, long-term results were noted after treatment lasting 5 to 10 years [41]. Strontium ranelate was, at one point, withdrawn from treatment due to reports of serious side effects. Information has emerged about the growth of cardiovascular risk and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Recently, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has issued an overview of how strontium ranelate can be used with many restrictions on its use..."

Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The conclusion by these scientists: "The mechanism of action of strontium is still not fully understood, which is a significant problem in modern science. However, the research that has been conducted to date has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism by which strontium ions work in the bone formation process. It seems that administering Sr locally can be very effective, with fewer side effects than systemic administration, and it can significantly improve the osseointegration of bone implants."
Later in the article they add: "Orally administered strontium ranelate does not significantly affect bone formation in vivo because it does not reach a sufficient concentration near this tissue, assuming a standard drug supply and a normal calcium-rich diet."

The takeaway - high doses of strontium, 2 grams per day in oral suspension, provided good benefits, but not without significant risks. Research continues...

A new article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732224000151#s00600 - is a PRELIMINARY study of how to influence the uptake of strontium at the cellular level in humans

So, what about AlgaeCal & it's companion Strontium Boost? The basic AlgaeCal supplement contains Calcium from algae, magnesium, vitamin D3 and a trace of strontium along with a number of other trace minerals. (https://www.algaecal.com/products/algaecal-basic/) AlgaeCal Strontium Boost contains 680 mg of strontium in capsule form, to be taken once a day. That is one-third the amount in the study referenced above, and not a liquid suspension.

The bottom line -
There is developing evidence that the form of calcium in red algae (algas calcareas)and other forms are more "bio-available" than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Strontium still offers big questions because consuming large amounts can have side effects.
Only you can decide whether the price tag on the AlgaeCal products are worthwhile for you - I think there company offers a money-back guarantee with certain limitations. Or whether you can find other less expensive algae-based supplements that have been tested for purity.

Sue

Jump to this post

Thank you for researching!
AlgaeCal’s Strontium contains Strontium citrate, not the controversial version - Strontium ranelate. Hopefully that clarifies why some are seeing safe results with it?

REPLY
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