Strontium: Supporting Bone Density and Preventing Osteoporosis

What Is Strontium and Why Is It Important for Bones?

Strontium is a naturally occurring mineral that is chemically similar to calcium. This fact makes strontium a unique mineral in the context of bone health — because strontium resembles calcium, the body can integrate it into bones, strengthening their structure.

Approximately 99% of strontium in the body resides in bones and teeth. This is no coincidence — strontium has a dual-action effect on bones that distinguishes it from all other bone-supporting minerals.

Strontium's unique dual action:

• Stimulates osteoblasts — cells that build new bone tissue
• Inhibits osteoclasts — cells that break down old bone tissue

This dual action means strontium doesn't just slow bone mass loss — it actively helps build new bone tissue. No other mineral or vitamin offers this two-sided approach.

What Do Studies Show About Strontium?

Strontium is one of the best-studied minerals in the field of bone health. The primary research has been conducted with the strontium ranelate form, but other forms have also shown positive results.

SOTI Study (Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention)

Study (Meunier et al., 2004):

• 1,649 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
• Received 2g strontium ranelate or placebo for 3 years
• Vertebral fracture markers improved significantly in the first year
• Bone density increased by 14.4% in the spine over 3 years

TROPOS Study (Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis)

Study (Reginster et al., 2005):

• 5,091 postmenopausal women
• Strontium ranelate reduced all peripheral fractures by 16%
• Among high-risk patients, hip fracture risk decreased by 36%

Strontium Citrate

While most major studies have been conducted with strontium ranelate (a prescription drug), strontium citrate (a dietary supplement) has also shown promising results.

Review (Genuis & Bouchard, 2012):

• Overview of strontium's role in bone health
• Strontium citrate is bioavailable and well-tolerated alternative
• Recommendation: 680mg strontium citrate daily (about 227mg elemental strontium)

How Does Strontium Work in Bones?

Strontium's action in bones is multifaceted and well-documented:

Osteoblast Stimulation

Strontium activates calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR) on osteoblast surfaces (Marie et al., 2001), which:

• Increases osteoblast proliferation — more bone-building cells
• Stimulates collagen synthesis — the structural framework of bones
• Raises alkaline phosphatase levels — a marker of bone mineralization

Osteoclast Inhibition

Strontium reduces osteoclast activity:

• Decreases RANKL expression — the signal that activates bone breakdown
• Increases OPG production — a natural osteoclast inhibitor
• Slows bone resorption — preserves existing bone mass

Integration into Bone Structure

Because strontium is similar to calcium, it replaces a small portion of calcium in bone crystals:

• Forms stronger crystals — strontium is slightly larger than calcium
• Improves bone micro-architecture — better trabecular structure
• Increases bone density — measurable via DEXA scan

Browse our calcium selection for an optimal bone health program.

What Forms of Strontium Are Available as Supplements?

Strontium Citrate

• Most popular supplement form
• Good bioavailability — comparable to strontium ranelate
• Well tolerated — fewer gastrointestinal side effects
• Dose: 680mg strontium citrate daily (about 227mg elemental Sr)

Strontium Ranelate

• Prescription drug (in Europe)
• Most studied — largest clinical trials
• Limited availability — removed from many markets due to cardiovascular risks at high doses

Strontium Carboxylate

• Organic form
• Less studied — limited clinical data
• Alternative choice — when citrate is not suitable

Who Benefits Most From Strontium?

1. Postmenopausal women — highest risk of bone mass loss
2. People with osteopenia — support for maintaining bone density
3. People with low bone density — additional support alongside calcium and vitamin D
4. Older men — age-related bone density decline is often overlooked in men
5. People with family history of bone health concerns — genetic predisposition

How Should Strontium Be Dosed?

Recommended Doses

#

See also:

• Calcium and Bone Health After 40 — Preventing Osteoporosis With Vitamin D and K2
• Boron: Bone Health, Hormones, and Brain Function
• Phosphorus: Bone Health, Energy and Recovery

References

1. Meunier PJ, Roux C, Seeman E, Ortolani S, Badurski JE, Spector TD, Cannata J, Balogh A, Lemmel EM, Pors-Nielsen S, Rizzoli R, Genant HK, Reginster JY. (2004). The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(5), 459-468.
2. Reginster JY, Seeman E, De Vernejoul MC, Adami S, Compston J, Phenekos C, Devogelaer JP, Curiel MD, Sawicki A, Goemaere S, Sorensen OH, Felsenberg D, Meunier PJ. (2005). Strontium ranelate reduces the risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: TROPOS study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(5), 2816-2822.
3. Genuis SJ, Bouchard TP. (2012). Combination of micronutrients for bone (COMB) study: bone density after micronutrient intervention. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 354151.
4. Marie PJ, Ammann P, Boivin G, Rey C. (2001). Mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of strontium in bone. Calcified Tissue International, 69(3), 121-129.

---

Read more: Joint Health Supplements: Overview and Guide

Important: When and How to Take

The main rule for strontium: DO NOT TAKE WITH CALCIUM.

Strontium and calcium compete for absorption in the intestines. Taking them together reduces the absorption of both.

Best practice:

• Take strontium before bedtime on an empty stomach
• Take calcium and vitamin D during the day with meals
• Leave at least 2-3 hours between strontium and calcium
• Take strontium on an empty stomach for best absorption

Is Strontium Safe?

Safety Profile

Strontium citrate as a dietary supplement is generally well tolerated. However, there are some important considerations:

Common side effects (rare):

• Mild nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Important precautions:

• Kidney disease — kidneys are responsible for strontium excretion
• History of venous thromboembolism — strontium ranelate was associated with increased risk (NB: applies mainly to the high-dose prescription drug)
• Cardiovascular risk factors — consult your doctor

DEXA Scan Impact

Important to know: strontium can artificially raise DEXA scan results by up to 10%, because strontium absorbs X-rays more strongly than calcium. Tell your doctor if you take a strontium supplement.

Strontium in a Complete Bone Health Program

Strontium works best as part of a comprehensive bone health approach:

Nutrient Synergies

1. Calcium (1000-1200mg daily) — primary bone mineral
2. Vitamin D (2000-4000 IU daily) — calcium absorption
3. Vitamin K2 (100-200mcg daily) — directing calcium to bones
4. Magnesium (300-400mg daily) — bone mineralization
5. Strontium (227mg elemental daily) — dual bone support
6. Boron (3-6mg daily) — vitamin D and calcium metabolism

Explore our vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium selections.

Lifestyle

• Resistance training — stimulates bone formation
• Walking and running — weight-bearing movement
• Quitting smoking — smoking accelerates bone loss
• Limiting alcohol — excessive alcohol weakens bones

Strontium-Rich Foods

Strontium is found naturally in:

• Seafood — especially crab and lobster
• Milk and dairy — strontium often accompanies calcium
• Whole grains — wheat, oats
• Leafy greens — spinach, kale
• Legumes — lentils, beans
• Mineral water — some sources are strontium-rich

However, dietary strontium is usually insufficient for therapeutic effect, making supplements necessary.

Summary

Strontium is a unique mineral that offers dual support for bone health — stimulating new bone formation while inhibiting existing bone breakdown.

Key points:

• Dual action — the only mineral that both builds and protects bones
• Studies show increased bone density and reduced fracture risk
• Strontium citrate is a well-tolerated supplement form
• Don't take with calcium — take before bed on an empty stomach
• Part of a complete program — alongside calcium, vitamin D, and K2
• Especially beneficial for postmenopausal women and people with osteopenia

Explore our calcium products and build your bone health program.