Benefits and Side Effects of Strontium

What is Strontium?

Strontium (Sr) is a chemical element that is very similar to calcium. Although it is considered a trace element (a substance needed only in small amounts by the body to maintain health), it is actually an abundant chemical found in the soil, rocks as well as in seawater. This metal substance is silvery, soft, alkaline, and non-radioactive. It easily reacts with air and water, so in nature it often occurs combined with other elements or compounds to form more stable compounds such as carbonate strontianite (SrCO3) and sulfate mineral celestite (SrSO4).

In the environment, there are strontium compounds that are water soluble and those that are water-insoluble. Water soluble strontium compounds may pollute water and pose a threat to health; however, they occur in very small amounts. Strontium is also used for many non-medicinal human activities in various forms.

Almost all (99%) of the strontium found in the body is found in the bones.

Strontium Food Sources

All strontium compounds eventually end up in the soil and water, which may be taken up by plants and animals. Seafoods such as fish and shellfish are the major dietary source of strontium. Other food sources include whole milk, meat, other dairy products, poultry, wheat bran, grains and root vegetables.

What is Strontium Used For?

There are many medical and non-medical uses of stronium. Strontium is used in different forms:

Strontium ranelate is used to treat osteoporosis (weak, fragile bones) especially in older, postmenopausal women. This form of strontium is sold as a prescription drug (Protelos) in Europe and Australia for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, it has not been approved in the USA.

Strontium gluconate...

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... and hip fractures in postmenopausal women.

One study involving the use of strontium gluconate, which is more easily absorbed than strontium carbonate, showed that a lower dose of 274 mg/day is effective in reducing bone pain in patients with metastatic bone cancer.

Works Cited

Lenntech. Strontium-Sr. http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/sr.htm

WebMD. Strontium. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1077-STRONTIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=1077&activeIngredientName=STRONTIUM

WorldHealth.net. Strontium: Breakthrough Against Osteoporosis.

http://www.worldhealth.net/news/strontium_breakthrough_against_osteoporo/

WebMD. Strontium Treatment for Osteoporosis.

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/strontium-treatment-osteoporosis

MedicineNet. Strontium. http://www.medicinenet.com/strontium-page3/supplements-vitamins.htm