Strontium for Osteoporosis

A 2004 study found that 2 grams of oral strontium ranelate taken daily was significantly more effective than placebo at improving bone mineral density (BMD) and reducing vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis over 3 years. All people in the study also received calcium and vitamin D supplements. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck increased by 14.4% and 8.3% respectively. Vertebral fractures were reduced by 49% in the first year and 41% over the 3 year trial. A 10 year follow up trial showed that lumbar BMD increased continuously and significantly over this time. Fracture risk also remained decreased. Strontium may cause headache, nausea, diarrhea or other side effects. Strontium ranelate is not approved for use in the US by the FDA as there have been concerns about increased cardiovascular risk.

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. The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jan 29;350(5):459-68. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa022436. PMID: 14749454.

Reginster JY, Kaufman JM, Goemaere S, Devogelaer JP, Benhamou CL, Felsenberg D, Diaz-Curiel M, Brandi ML, Badurski J, Wark J, Balogh A, Bruyère O, Roux C. Maintenance of antifracture efficacy over 10 years with strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2012 Mar;23(3):1115-22. doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1847-z. Epub 2011 Nov 29. PMID: 22124575; PMCID: PMC3277702.