@osteocurious
Strontium citrate is an earth mineral found in much of the world's ground water (see attached map) and also because of this in food and animals. It acts much like calcium in the body but it is denser and seems to have the ability to bridge larger osteoporic gaps which then allows calcium to adhere and bone to grow, at least that is one explanation. Much of the research says that they don't know quite how it works; it just does. 🙂

The research shows denser bones, good quality bones and bones less prone to fracture with studies showing a 41% to 49% reduction in risk over a three-year period compared to a placebo. It also shows a 33% to 36% risk reduction in fractures over 4–5 years and a roughly 15%–36% reduction in nonvertebral fractures. The current belief is that strontium forms sacrificial bonds which make the bone less likely to fracture.

Strontium Citrate is the strontium product most used in the USA. It is a supplement, but it fills an unusual niche in medicine in that although it is a supplement it is used at a therapeutic level for the treatment of osteoporosis. 680mg daily

I have used strontium citrate for years; I no longer have an osteoporosis diagnosis; I am now in normal bone territory with normal bone quality as per TBS, no side effects, no fractures. My osteoporosis was in my hip, that area is hardest to change so it took years, but I had immediate good results, and those results continued every year. My endocrinologist told me to change nothing and released me because he said that I did not need him any more.

Strontium has been the "red headed child" of osteoporosis treatment for years. It is just hard to believe that a simple mineral can make such a difference without the side effects which many osteoporosis drugs have.

Strontium is being used more and more in fractures and jaw bone necrosis with strontium laced implant or mesh. As this is happening more and more doctors are becoming more used to using it. Also, with the REMS and TBS showing good bone density and quality for strontium users there is less and less concern over the denser strontium showing a denser dexa than the bone actually carries, overestimate of about 10%.

Plus, studies with bone biopsies comparing strontium bones to bones not treated have played a role in strontium interest in patients and some doctors. (see attached photo with link to research)

Still, doctors frequently know little about strontium and seldom prescribe it. But..... I have never known a doctor to tell a patient whose dexa and tbs have gotten better or who has stopped fracturing to stop their strontium. Doctors just aren't familiar with strontium.

Here are some posts on Inspire of strontium research and strontium user stories which might be helpful:
Strontium user stories:
https://www.inspire.com/m/Kathleen1314/journal/d69831-strontium-users-stories-3-alternative-to-pharma-meds/
2020 A review of latest insights into the mechanism of action by strontium:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/2020-a-review-of-latest-insights-into-the-mechanism-of-action-by-strontium-/
A compilation of posts/ research and the above posts:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/dd823b-strontium-a-compilation-of-research-and-information/