THYROID FUNCTION

Strontium

Sr — Element #38

also known as Strontium ranelate, Strontium chloride, Strontium citrate, Strontium carbonate

Strontium is a naturally occurring trace element chemically similar to calcium. It is found in small amounts in bone mineral, where it substitutes for calcium in hydroxyapatite. Strontium ranelate was approved in Europe as a prescription drug for osteoporosis treatment, demonstrating measurable increases in bone mineral density and reduced fracture risk. Its status as a nutritionally essential element is not established.

Strontium ranelate (prescription drug) demonstrated significant reductions in vertebral and hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in Phase III trials
Incorporated into bone mineral in place of calcium, increasing bone mineral density measurements (note: some increase reflects strontium's higher atomic mass)
Strontium ranelate had dual activity: stimulating osteoblast (bone-forming) activity and inhibiting osteoclast (bone-resorbing) activity
Low-dose dietary strontium from food and water is generally well-tolerated and may contribute modestly to bone mineral content

Active in Sr²⁺ ion.

No established dietary RDA or UL; strontium ranelate was a prescription medication, not a supplement

Strontium ranelate was withdrawn or severely restricted in most markets (including Europe) due to increased risk of serious cardiovascular events (MI, stroke) and rare but severe skin reactions (DRESS syndrome)

Commercially available strontium citrate supplements have not been evaluated in rigorous clinical trials for fracture prevention and are not FDA-approved for osteoporosis

Radioactive strontium-90 (Sr-90) from nuclear fallout is a distinct hazard — it accumulates in bone and is associated with leukemia risk; not relevant to dietary stable strontium

High strontium intake may interfere with bone quality measurements via DEXA scanning by artificially elevating density readings

NCBI — Strontium Ranelate in Osteoporosis · NCBI — Strontium and Bone Biology · Britannica — Strontium

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