Strontium

Related Terms

84Sr, 86Sr, 87Sr, 88Sr, 89Sr, 90Sr, alkaline earth metal, atomic number 38, Bisfil-P, Bivalos?, celestine, celestite, Crest?, element, estroncio (Spanish), group 2 (IIA), Hyposen?, isotope, Metastron?, metal, nonessential trace mineral, nonradioactive element, Osseor?, Protaxos?, Protelos?, Protos?, radioactive isotope, radioisotope, radiopharmaceutical, ranelic acid, Sensodyne?, Sr, Sr ranelate, SrCO3, SrH2, SrO, SrRan, SrSO4, SrTiO3, stable strontium, strontia, strontianite, strontium acetate, strontium aluminate, strontium barium niobate, strontium carbonate, strontium chloride, strontium chloride hexahydrate, strontium chromate, strontium citrate, strontium gluconate, strontium hydride, strontium hydroxide, strontium malonate, strontium nitrate, strontium nitride, strontium oxide, strontium phosphide, strontium polyacrylate, strontium ranelate, strontium salts, strontium sulfate, strontium titanate, strontium-84, strontium-86, strontium-87, strontium-87:strontium-86, strontium-88, strontium-89, strontium-89 chloride, strontium-90.

Background

Strontium is a silvery gray element that was first discovered in the early 1800s. It is a soft, easily worked metal that resembles calcium. Because of this similarity, strontium can replace calcium in certain processes in the body. Strontium may promote extra calcium uptake into bones.
Strontium has sixteen forms: twelve radioactive and four nonradioactive. Strontium-88 is the most common form, making up 83% of natural strontium. Strontium-90 is a radioactive form that earned public attention for being a dangerous byproduct released from nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s. Strontium-89 chloride is another radioactive form used to reduce pain in people with cancer and is the active ingredient in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug Metastron?.
In the United States, strontium salts (carbonate, chloride, citrate, gluconate, sulfate, etc.) are available as dietary supplements. According to secondary sources, the most common form of strontium found in dietary supplements is strontium chloride. Strontium chloride, as well as strontium acetate, may be found in dental products like Sensodyne?, a toothpaste used to reduce pain caused by teeth sensitivity.
In Europe, strontium ranelate is a prescription drug used for osteoporosis. It is marketed under the trade names Protos?, Protelos?, Osseor?, Bivalos?, and Protaxos?. According to previous and ongoing research, strontium ranelate may prevent bone loss, increase bone strength, and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. It may also benefit people with osteoarthritis.
Strontium nitrate has been studied for skin irritation and inflammation caused by allergic reactions to cosmetics, personal care products, and drugs, and during occupational exposure. However, large, well-designed trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.
According to experts, taking calcium and strontium at the same time may reduce strontium absorption. Strontium ranelate should not be used in people with kidney problems. Preliminary studies suggest that strontium may increase the risk of artery blockages.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Strontium-89 chloride may relieve bone pain associated with prostate and breast cancer. Metastron? is an FDA-approved drug for this use. In clinical research, up to 80% of people reported improvement and 10% reported complete pain relief.

 A


Strontium-89 chloride may relieve bone pain associated with prostate and breast cancer. Metastron? is an FDA-approved drug for this use. In clinical research, up to 80% of people reported improvement and 10% reported complete pain relief.

 A


Strontium chloride and strontium acetate, found in dental products like Sensodyne? and Hyposen?, are used for reducing the pain and discomfort of sensitive teeth. Studies suggest that brushing twice daily with toothpastes containing strontium acetate has helped with long-lasting pain relief.

 A


Strontium chloride and strontium acetate, found in dental products like Sensodyne? and Hyposen?, are used for reducing the pain and discomfort of sensitive teeth. Studies suggest that brushing twice daily with toothpastes containing strontium acetate has helped with long-lasting pain relief.

 A


Clinical studies have found that strontium ranelate can prevent bone loss, increase bone strength, and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. Evidence suggests that treatment compliance may further reduce the risk of hip fractures.

 A


Clinical studies have found that strontium ranelate can prevent bone loss, increase bone strength, and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. Evidence suggests that treatment compliance may further reduce the risk of hip fractures.

 A


Some studies have found that strontium ranelate may reduce back pain and slow the development of spinal osteoarthritis. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 B


Some studies have found that strontium ranelate may reduce back pain and slow the development of spinal osteoarthritis. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 B


Strontium salts been found to have an anti-itch, anti-irritant effect against some cosmetics and chemical peels, without numbing side effects. Studies found that applying 20% strontium nitrate to the arm for 30 minutes decreased allergic itch. However, more studies are needed before a clear conclusion can be made.

 B


Strontium salts been found to have an anti-itch, anti-irritant effect against some cosmetics and chemical peels, without numbing side effects. Studies found that applying 20% strontium nitrate to the arm for 30 minutes decreased allergic itch. However, more studies are needed before a clear conclusion can be made.

 B
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Servier, the manufacturer of various strontium ranelate products, advises patients with severe kidney impairment not to use the product.
To treat osteoarthritis, two grams of strontium ranelate has been taken by mouth daily for three years.
To treat osteoporosis, 500-2,000 milligrams of strontium ranelate has been taken by mouth daily for up to eight years.
To reduce tooth sensitivity, a 10% strontium chloride hexahydrate dentifrice has been used for six months, and toothpastes containing 8% strontium acetate and sodium fluoride have been used twice daily.
To remove dental plaque, a solution containing chlorhexidine gluconate, sodium fluoride, and strontium has been used for two weeks.
To treat skin irritation, 20% strontium nitrate has been applied to the skin once for 20-30 minutes.
To reduce pain associated with cancer, injections of Metastron? ranging from 0.6 megabecquerels (MBq) per kilogram to 400MBq of strontium per person have been given up to 10 times in three months.
To prevent the recurrence of eye disorders (specifically, pterygium), strontium-90 radiation therapy has been administered by eye applicator for a total dose of 30 gray (Gy), given in 3 doses (10Gy weekly on days 1,8, and 15).

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Strontium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Strontium may also interact with agents that may affect the immune system, androgens, antacids, antibiotics (such as quinolones and tetracycline), bisphosphonates, calcium-containing agents, Clearfil? New Bond, corticosteroids, estrogens, nifedipine, pain relievers, and vitamin D analogs (calcitriol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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