Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Strontium

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Strontium. Trace element that displaces Ca in bone and was approved (ranelate) for osteoporosis.

How it works. Increases osteoblast activity and reduces osteoclast activity; substitutes for calcium in hydroxyapatite.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces vertebral fracture risk (ranelate) (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 680 mg strontium citrate/d (away from Ca).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Cardiovascular events (ranelate, leading to restrictions).

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with CV disease.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Strontium. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Strontium. Trace element that displaces Ca in bone and was approved (ranelate) for osteoporosis.

Element Sr · Z = 38Sr · 87.62 g/mol

What it is

Trace element that displaces Ca in bone and was approved (ranelate) for osteoporosis.

Also called

Strontium citrateStrontium ranelate (Rx)

Food sources

Trace in seafood and grains

Goals

How it works

Increases osteoblast activity and reduces osteoclast activity; substitutes for calcium in hydroxyapatite.

Pathways

  • Bone remodeling balance

Effects

  • ↑Bone mineral density (apparent on DEXA) increases

What the research supports

Reduces vertebral fracture risk (ranelate)strong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
680 mg strontium citrate/d (away from Ca)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the citrate (otc) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Cardiovascular events (ranelate, leading to restrictions)

Medication interactions

Calciumminor

Compete for absorption — separate.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • CV diseaseRanelate safety signal.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Strontium — Reduces vertebral fracture risk ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Strontium and "Reduces vertebral fracture risk". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Strontium — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Strontium and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Strontium — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Strontium and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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