Strontium's therapeutic uses
Strontium is a trace element that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of osteoporosis. Nonradioactive forms, especially strontium ranelate, have been studied extensively and shown promising results in improving bone density and reducing fracture incidence among individuals with osteoporosis. A series of rigorous studies suggest that daily doses of strontium ranelate, ranging from 500 mg to 2 g, can effectively enhance bone formation while simultaneously decreasing bone breakdown, offering a dual benefit for bone health.
In addition to its role in osteoporosis management, there are preliminary indications that strontium may help prevent dental cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Moreover, a radioactive isotopic form of strontium, strontium-89 chloride, is utilized in the treatment of pain related to metastatic prostate cancer. Safety profiles for strontium suggest that it is generally well-tolerated, though there are some potential risks with long-term use, including rare side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and concerns regarding memory loss or seizures.
While strontium presents therapeutic promise, the exact mechanisms and optimal combinations with traditional osteoporosis treatments remain areas of ongoing research. Thus, individuals considering strontium supplementation should consult healthcare professionals to assess its suitability for their specific health needs.
Strontium's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural substance used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Osteoporosis
OTHER PROPOSED USE: Cavities (caries), prostate cancer
Overview
Strontium is a trace element widely found in nature. It became famous in the 1960s when a radioactive form of strontium produced by atomic bomb testing, strontium 90, became prevalent in the environment. Nonradioactive strontium has undergone study as a treatment for osteoporosis, with some promising results. The major human studies of strontium for osteoporosis have involved a special form of the mineral called strontium ranelate.
Requirements and Sources
There is no known daily requirement for strontium.
Therapeutic Dosages
Based on evidence, strontium ranelate can be taken at a dose of 500 milligrams (mg) to 1 gram (g) daily to prevent osteoporosis and at a higher dose of 2 g daily to treat existing osteoporosis. It is not clear whether combining strontium with standard treatments for osteoporosis will enhance or diminish the ultimate benefits. A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that taking strontium ranelic, a salt made from ranelic acid, reduced inflammation in bone cartilage and slowed the progression of osteoarthritis.
Therapeutic Uses
Strontium has fundamental chemical similarities to calcium. When the dietary intake of strontium is raised, it begins to take the place of calcium in the development of bone. This replacement appears beneficial (at least with low doses of strontium), leading to an increase in bone formation, a decrease in bone breakdown, and an overall rise in bone density. According to two very large studies, the net result is a reduced incidence of fractures due to osteoporosis. In addition, highly preliminary evidence hints that strontium might help prevent cavities by strengthening dental enamel. A radioactive form of strontium, strontium-89 chloride, is used to treat pain in prostate cancer patients whose disease has metastasized to the bones.
Scientific Evidence
As noted, the major human studies of strontium for osteoporosis involved strontium ranelate. In a three-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 5,091 women with osteoporosis, use of strontium at a dose of 2 g daily significantly improved bone density and reduced incidence of all fractures compared with placebo.
Additionally, in a three-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 1,649 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and a history of at least one vertebral fracture, use of strontium ranelate at a dose of 2 g daily reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures by 49 percent in the first year and 41 percent in the full three-year period (compared with placebo). Use of strontium also significantly increased measured bone density. No significant side effects were seen.
A fourth study tested strontium ranelate for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who had not developed it. In this two-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 160 women received either placebo or strontium ranelate at a dose of 125 mg, 500 mg, or 1 g daily. The results showed that the more strontium taken, the greater the gains in bone density.
While some treatments for osteoporosis act to increase bone formation and others decrease bone breakdown, some evidence suggests that strontium ranelate has a dual effect, providing both these benefits at once.
Other forms of strontium aside from strontium ranelate, such as strontium chloride, have shown potential benefits in animal studies but have not undergone significant testing in people.
Safety Issues
When taken in recommended doses, strontium supplements appear to be safe and usually free of side effects other than occasional mild gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea. There is some weak evidence that long-term use of strontium ranelate could, rarely, cause memory loss or seizures. Similarly weak evidence hints that strontium could raise risk of blood clots; however, one small study was somewhat reassuring on this score.
Excessive intake of strontium can actually weaken bone by replacing too much of the bone’s calcium with strontium.
Maximum safe doses of strontium in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established. For persons who are taking standard treatment for osteoporosis, it is not clear whether the addition of strontium will enhance or diminish the benefits.
Bibliography
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