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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.
All information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.
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I have had a total of 5 years of Zoledronic acid. I had 3 years and quit for 8 years and then found out my bone density was -4.5 in my spine. After a compression fracture, I had 2 more years of Zoledronic acid and only improved to -4.1. Next, I had 2 years of Prolia. I am now on Evenity. Next week I will have my month 7 shots. Honestly, my back feels better than it has for a long time. I am crossing my fingers. If it doesn't help, I am thinking of Strontium. How is Strontium on the kidneys? That is my biggest concern.
@sue417 Tymlos injections are daily.
I have 7 spinal fractures, some from a traumatic fall in 2006 and three from one unwise movement. I am sorry about your T7. Some of my pain is muscles because the spine is now shorter and I think my poor muscles are confused!
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3 ReactionsThis paper tells you all about strontium ranelate and includes that it should NOT be taken with osteoporosis medications such as bisphosphonates, e.g. alendronate (Alendro, Fosamax, Fosamax Plus), risedronate (Actonel, Actonel CombiActonel Combi D) and zolendronate (Aclasta); or denosumab (Prolia), raloxifene (Evista) or teriparatide (Forteo). Source: https://drlisacarroll.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/strontium_2016.pdf
This video makes a comment about strontium ranelate versus strontium citrate:
Go to minute 16:30 on this video https://www.youtube.com/watch
A study comparing three strontium formulations and their effect on bone density:
The three types of strontium salts studied are, strontium ranelate (SrR), strontium citrate (SrC), and strontium chloride (SrCl)
The administration of strontium salts led to a significant increase in trabecular and cortical tissue mineral density (TMD) in all experimental groups.
Among the studies, the SrC (strontium citrate) group exhibited the smallest increase in TMD.
These results may indicate that the administration of strontium significantly increases the mineral density of bone tissue, which is independent of bone mass, as it is converted into surface area.
Although some other studies have shown that Sr is more strongly incorporated into the trabecular bone compared to cortical bone, in our study, TMD increased similarly in both the cortical and trabecular bones.
Specifically, in the trabeculae, TMD increased by 36.9%, 16.5%, and 44.0% in the SrR, SrC, SrCl groups, respectively.
In the case of compact bones, TMD increased by 35.6%, 22.6%, and 40.0%, respectively.
These results are consistent with the findings of other researchers.
Our results revealed a positive correlation between the content of strontium in bone and TMD in both trabecular and cortical tissue.
Additionally, a positive correlation was observed in old (not producing hormones anymore) hens supplemented with strontium for 11 months for bone mineral density and bone mineral content.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11012416/
Here is another source https://blog.algaecal.com/strontium-ranelate-vs-strontium-citrate/
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2 Reactions@healthmatters in his video Lucas mentions the oft repeated warning that strontium "falsely elevates" bone density on DEXA. He is the first I have read or seen to say that this elevation is real and may not be false. I have doubts about this and am going to look into it.
Strontium replaces calcium in bones and is heavier/denser than calcium. The DEXA therefore reads higher.
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1 ReactionI just wish the scientific community would show more interest in the potential benefits of strontium citrate. There is so much research about other supplements: calcium, magnesium, Vitamin K2, boron, etc. even if some of that is also inconclusive. There is an onslaught of discussion about which exercise is best, how many prunes to eat, which weighted vest to wear, dealing with oxalates in our diet, but for some reason, the mention of strontium stirs up controversy. For those of us who are not ready to go down the prescription medication route, it would be helpful to have a better idea of whether this might be a safe alternative to try first, or as maintenance post medication. I’ve read so many anecdotal success stories regarding strontium citrate, but the lack of solid scientific human-based research, and I’m not counting AlgaeCal’s claims as research, still makes me hesitate. I know there are no simple answers in this osteoporosis quest, but seems like we should be open to investigating all avenues.
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5 Reactions@glojo as you probably know, approval of strontium ranelate was withdrawn in Europe for awhile due to cardiovascular effects, and is now used sparingly for patients who cannot take anything else. I assume this was the result of research.
I don't know if the controversy over distortion of DEXA's reflects concern for measuring or concern that bone density actually hasn't improved. Even that is unclear. If it is just about measuring, we should be able to take a leap of faith and use it in order to build bone, knowing that bone growth cannot be quantified.
But if the denser weight of strontium only makes bones appear to be denser, when they aren't, then we should probably avoid using it.
This seems to be a very basic question. Does the denser quality (heavier weight) of strontium actually mean better bones? Or does it just cause a false impression of growth on DEXA?
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2 ReactionsAgree! Another basic question, at least it seems to me, is whether the European issue was a strontium or a strontium compound problem, ranelate versus citrate. The human-based research is largely with sodium ranelate, but it’s questionable to assign its benefits to strontium citrate, without also mentioning the risks, unless there is more study specifically with the citrate compound. Can’t have it both ways, at least in my opinion.
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2 ReactionsI agree....leave no stone unturned. I have stopped wishing that the medical community would do more to help women but that has not produced results and I have accepted that I will have to continue doing my own research and advocacy. Exhausting.....thank so much to Mayo connect and all who share their experiences.
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2 ReactionsI wouldn't assign much weight to Dr Lucas. He's quite a salesman. He posts a direct link to algaecal in this video so his promotion of this product is in his self interest. We clearly need more info on strontium from non-biased sources to determine absolute risk and benefit.
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4 ReactionsI’m just curious if the REMS/echo light scan would be a more accurate scan to test the effects of strontium?? Isn’t this test supposed to test bone quality as well as density?