Anyone else doing OsteoStrong and AlgaeCal with Strontium?
I had three doses of Fosamax in June, 2024. After the third dose I developed ilial tibial band syndrome--probably the worst pain I've had since childbirth! Mercifully, it disappeared soon after and I never took another dose. In researching non-drug options I came across OsteoStrong and AlgaeCal with Strontium. I started both about 15 months ago. In May, 2024 my lumbar spine was -4.1. Now it is -2.9. Left hip has improved from -2.6 to -2.0--in 15 months. My endocrinologist is STILL pushing Reclast! I'd appreciate thoughts from you all, please.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
There are plenty of posts regarding algaecal, strontium and Osteostrong on various threads under the main subject os Osteoporosis.
to @karenolivia47
congratulations with your results on improving bone density without prescribed drugs ! I think it is a dream of many participants of this forum, and mine included.
Taking strontium for OP gives hopes to avoid serious negative effects of OP drugs such as jaw necrosis or untypical hip fractures.
Can you please inform what dose of strontium you are taking? I am seriously thinking about this road too, and have bought Strontium caps 750 mg (Life Extension), however in available most cited research by Meunier et al. 2004) patients were given 2 g. See below.
file:///C:/Users/lasti/Downloads/file_up_NEJM_04_350_459p.pdf
The AlgaeCal Strontium citrate dosage is 680 mg/day. I take it at night. I'm thrilled that my numbers have improved but having a hard time understanding why my ARNP endocrinologist is still pushing Reclast in spite of it. You are definitely right about the scary side-effects. Even though supposedly they are fairly rare, if you are the one that ends up with long bone fracture, horrid aches and pains or jaw osteonecrosis that isn't much comfort! I started OsteoStrong 15 months ago about the same time as the AlgaeCal so I have no idea if one was more efficacious than the other.
My numbers are similar to yours . I am doing Algaecal with out strontium. I also had a REMS Scan done recently and my bone quality it quite good. I won't do bisphosphates but instead I do BHRT. Im on the Wylie protocol. I have a trainer and do resistance training three times a week and also tai chi three times. I walk daily. I have a Marodyne low intensity vibration plate that I use twice daily. My diet is very strict. I also take MK4, Fortibone and a pea protein powder. I have done a four day saliva test along with extensive blood work. I'm trying to cover all the bases. Heel drops every day are part of my routine along with vigorous jumping three times weekly. Meditation is very important.
Oh, I see where the confusion is after I went back and read your note. You are looking at European studies of a different formulation of strontium--strontium ranelate. It was eventually taken off the market there; not sure why. But strontium citrate is available here over the counter in different osteoporosis products. AlgaeCal Strontium is one of those. Some folks worry that it will upward skew the DEXA numbers but it's only estimated to be about 10%. My numbers improved even taking into account the skew. I'm old--78. I thought about it before taking it. I'd already had a fracture of the thoracic spine. For the improvement I've had with absolutely no treatment side-effects, I don't care if it lights my bones up like a Christmas tree!
to @karenolivia47
Thank you for your answer. Fortunately I could buy on line strontium citrate. As to Osteostrong, it is not available in the majority of European countries, also in Spain where I live. I do not know why. So, I cannot use it.
I had taken AlgaeCal and Strontium years back and it did not do enough for me and still needed the meds. I still take AlgaeCal (it's been a good 10 years) along with my osteoporosis meds as the calcium does not bother me as do other calciums. AlgaeCal claims that people can build bone just by using their products, I did not have that experience, but I do think that AlgaeCal - actually I use AlgaeCal Plus - is a good product but expensive.
You are right about the AlgaeCal being expensive. Thanks for your response. Out of curiosity, what osteoporosis drugs did you end up taking?