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Strontium citrate, fractures and lack of research
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?
***Director's Note:***
There’s not enough clinical research to know if strontium citrate effectively prevents or treats osteoporosis. Mayo Clinic does not recomend its use. Clinically researched osteoporosis medications have demonstrated fracture prevention benefit with less risk.
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way as prescription drugs, so it's not possible to know if if they are safe or work well or even how much of the main ingredient they contain.
If you wish to take a strontium supplement, it is advised to discuss with your doctor.
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Bisphosphonates, like Reclast and Fosamax, can be visualized as coating bone and helping to maintain gains on the other drugs. Every osteoporosis medication is followed by Reclast or an oral bisphosphonate at this stage of the science. Bisphosphonates not only help maintain gains on the other drugs but also continue to add bone density.
For those of us who are sensitive to bisphosphonates, there really is no other choice. I do low dose Reclast more frequently than the annual 5mg infusions normally done to minimize side effects. I cannot afford any more fractures. Tymlos got me to borderline from severe and I want to stay there or better!
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3 Reactions@windyshores,
Are you on Medicare and does it cover Reclast in those multiple yearly small doses?
Hi
So I have a compression fracture in my T8.And my endocrinologist just started me immediately on the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid which is reclast. I had bad side effects my third i.v. Five milligram , so I don't want to do it again
Hi
What dose fo you do. I do 5mg by I.v. I heard you can do 4mg. Is there a lower dose?
I do a lower dose due to kidney disease and afib @sue417. My doctor said that doses of 2mg are not uncommon. I think if we all did low dose, the cancer infusion centers might be overwhelmed. Patient convenience and compliance are also reasons for the 5mg once a year dose.
You end up with the same long term effects I believe, if lower dose is given more frequently and equals the annual one time dose in a year.
I am curious why you did Reclast instead of a bone builder like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity if you already have a fracture. Insurance covers us once we fracture. Do you see an endocrinologist? Reclast will temper the effectiveness of bone builders but lots of people do benefit from bone builders after Reclast.
The problem you might run into is that Reclast is limited to 3-5 years. All those other drugs need to be "locked in" by Reclast so you might want to talk to your doctor about switching before you do more years of Reclast. I am a lay person who does not know your situation so am only writing what I would do.
@pami my lower dose is medically necessary due to afib and kidney disease. I assume my doctor got authorization for that reason. But I have been told that half doses (2.5mg) or 2mg are not uncommon- by both an MD and the infusion nurse.
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2 ReactionsHi
I do see an endocrinolojust and he started me immediately on the reclast. I have stomach issues , so maybe that's why He did not do an oral medication. I don't know I will find out when I see him in February
@sue417 a lot of us with acid reflux/GERD or other stomach issues seem to end up on Reclast vs Fosamax!
Ok, but my question is does it actually add strength to bones or just look like it does?
Nene@78 I think the jury is out on that question. All the studies I have seen show that Strontium Citrate makes bones denser because it is a heavier element than Calcium. If it reduces fractures too, then we would all be taking it! I do know that it is also a lifetime commitment. When you quit taking it, you lose the density you acquired from it.
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