Related Terms

• 84Sr, 86Sr, 87Sr, 88Sr, 89Sr, 90Sr, alkaline earth metal, atomic number 38, Bisfil-P, Bivalos®, celestine, celestite, Crest®, element, estroncio (Spanish), group 2 (IIA), Hyposen®, isotope, Metastron®, metal, nonessential trace mineral, nonradioactive element, Osseor®, Protaxos®, Protelos®, Protos®, radioactive isotope, radioisotope, radiopharmaceutical, ranelic acid, Sensodyne®, Sr, Sr ranelate, SrCO3, SrH2, SrO, SrRan, SrSO4, SrTiO3, stable strontium, strontia, strontianite, strontium acetate, strontium aluminate, strontium barium niobate, strontium carbonate, strontium chloride, strontium chloride hexahydrate, strontium chromate, strontium citrate, strontium gluconate, strontium hydride, strontium hydroxide, strontium malonate, strontium nitrate, strontium nitride, strontium oxide, strontium phosphide, strontium polyacrylate, strontium ranelate, strontium salts, strontium sulfate, strontium titanate, strontium-84, strontium-86, strontium-87, strontium-87:strontium-86, strontium-88, strontium-89, strontium-89 chloride, strontium-90.

Background

• Strontium is a silvery gray element that was first discovered in the early 1800s. It is a soft, easily worked metal that resembles calcium. Because of this similarity, strontium can replace calcium in certain processes in the body. Strontium may promote extra calcium uptake into bones.

• Strontium has sixteen forms: twelve radioactive and four nonradioactive. Strontium-88 is the most common form, making up 83% of natural strontium. Strontium-90 is a radioactive form that earned public attention for being a dangerous byproduct released from nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s. Strontium-89 chloride is another radioactive form used to reduce pain in people with cancer and is the active ingredient in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug Metastron®.

• In the United States, strontium salts (carbonate, chloride, citrate, gluconate, sulfate, etc.) are available as dietary supplements. According to secondary sources, the most common form of strontium found in dietary supplements is strontium chloride. Strontium chloride, as well as strontium acetate, may be found in dental products like Sensodyne®, a toothpaste used to reduce pain caused by teeth sensitivity.

• In Europe, strontium ranelate is a prescription drug used for osteoporosis. It is marketed under the trade names Protos®, Protelos®, Osseor®, Bivalos®, and Protaxos®. According to previous and ongoing research, strontium ranelate may prevent bone loss, increase bone strength, and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. It may also benefit people with osteoarthritis.

• Strontium nitrate has been studied for skin irritation and inflammation caused by allergic reactions to cosmetics, personal care products, and drugs, and during occupational exposure. However, large, well-designed trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

• According to experts, taking calcium and strontium at the same time may reduce strontium absorption. Strontium ranelate should not be used in people with kidney problems. Preliminary studies suggest that strontium may increase the risk of artery blockages.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Age-related macular degeneration (vision problems), cough, eye disorders (pterygia), seizures.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Servier, the manufacturer of various strontium ranelate products, advises patients with severe kidney impairment not to use the product.

• To treat osteoarthritis, two grams of strontium ranelate has been taken by mouth daily for three years.

• To treat osteoporosis, 500-2,000 milligrams of strontium ranelate has been taken by mouth daily for up to eight years.

• To reduce tooth sensitivity, a 10% strontium chloride hexahydrate dentifrice has been used for six months, and toothpastes containing 8% strontium acetate and sodium fluoride have been used twice daily.

• To remove dental plaque, a solution containing chlorhexidine gluconate, sodium fluoride, and strontium has been used for two weeks.

• To treat skin irritation, 20% strontium nitrate has been applied to the skin once for 20-30 minutes.

• To reduce pain associated with cancer, injections of Metastron® ranging from 0.6 megabecquerels (MBq) per kilogram to 400MBq of strontium per person have been given up to 10 times in three months.

• To prevent the recurrence of eye disorders (specifically, pterygium), strontium-90 radiation therapy has been administered by eye applicator for a total dose of 30 gray (Gy), given in 3 doses (10Gy weekly on days 1,8, and 15).

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for strontium in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to strontium.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Strontium is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in food, when used to relieve bone pain associated with cancer in the form of FDA-approved products such as Metastron®, and when used to relieve pain associated with tooth sensitivity in the form of FDA-approved products such as Sensodyne®.

• Strontium is possibly safe when used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, used in a dental rinse to remove plaque, or applied to the skin to reduce allergic irritation to chemicals.

• Strontium may cause bone pain, changes in consciousness, changes in white blood cell count, dermatitis, diarrhea, eczema, hair loss, headache, increased risk of artery blockage, memory loss, reduced platelet count, seizures, skin rash, and stomach pain.

• Strontium may interfere with blood and urine colorimetric measurements of calcium. Patients should inform their radiologist of strontium use. Strontium ranelate may cause a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.

• Strontium may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or other blood disorders (such as low platelet counts and low white blood cell counts) or in those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in children or in people with kidney dysfunction or Paget's disease.

• Use cautiously in people who are taking algin, androgens, bladderwrack, calcium supplements, estrogens, kelp, laminaria, nifedipine, vitamin D, or vitamin D analogs (such as calcitriol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol).

• At least six months should be given when switching from a bisphosphonate to strontium.

• Avoid in people with severe kidney impairment, known allergy to strontium or any component of the formulation, or in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Strontium found in toothpaste, however, appears to be safe during pregnancy and lactation.

• Avoid strontium ranelate in people using tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics or in those with phenylketonuria (disorder in which a person is unable to properly break down the amino acid phenylalanine).

• Avoid intravenous strontium-89 (Metastron®) in people with incontinence or compromised bone marrow.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of high-quality scientific evidence on the use of strontium during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Strontium found in toothpaste or taken by mouth in amounts normally found in food is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Strontium-89 is radioactive and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it may harm babies.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Strontium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Strontium may also interact with agents that may affect the immune system, androgens, antacids, antibiotics (such as quinolones and tetracycline), bisphosphonates, calcium-containing agents, Clearfil® New Bond, corticosteroids, estrogens, nifedipine, pain relievers, and vitamin D analogs (calcitriol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol).

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Strontium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Strontium may also interact with algin, alginate, androgens, antacids, bladderwrack, calcium, dairy products, herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system, kelp, laminaria, NovaSil clay, pain relievers, phytoestrogens, seaweed, and vitamin D.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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