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Strontium Citrate side effects

Pdrosebud
3 Recommendations

I started taking strontium citrate 5 weeks ago. I've developed a rash and some slight skin inflammation. I don't know if there is a connection. Has anyone had side effects from strontium citrate?

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48 replies

AussieLass

Hi April and BoneLady,
The web site suggested is a good one! Do not know what procedures are involved in testing for a lymphatic obstruction or for lymphedema but April, you may actually find the info about that there too. It seems a comprehensive site.
My ankle swelling in pregnancy sounds like it might have been ankle edema! Thank you, BoneLady. A mystery solved.
April, the trials I mentioned on strontium ranelate were the very early ones. The later trials used much greater numbers thankfully. It is surprising that they would use such small numbers then, I do agree.
Looking forward to hearing about any results on studies on Strontium Citrate. Good to know there's a Californian one underway.

SantaFe

BoneLady:
Thanks for such great, indepth information on leg swellings---really helpful to sort out clots vs edema.
warmly, Santa Fe

BoneLady

SantaFe & April,

SantaFe's source is correct in stating that strontium can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (a condition which can cause ankles or legs to swell). That is why people with a history of blood clots or blood clotting disorders are advised against taking strontium. For others, the risk of blood clots is small.

There are many other possible causes of leg swelling. The most common is venous insufficiency (chronic), which generally occurs in females. "Moderate to severe, unilateral or bilateral leg edema occurs in patients with venous insufficiency. Initially, the edema is soft and pitting; later, it becomes hard as tissues thicken."

For more on leg (anywhere from ankle to thigh) edema, see
www.wrongdiagnosis.com/e/edema/book-diseases-16d.htm

"Leg edema is a common sign that results when excess interstitial fluid accumulates in one or both legs. It may affect just the foot and ankle or extend to the thigh, and may be slight or dramatic, pitting or nonpitting.
Leg edema may result from venous disorders, trauma, and certain bone and cardiac disorders that disturb normal fluid balance. It may result from nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, acute and chronic thrombophlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency (most common), cellulitis, lymphedema, and drugs. However, several nonpathologic mechanisms may also cause leg edema. For example, prolonged sitting, standing, or immobility may cause bilateral orthostatic edema. This pitting edema usually affects the foot and disappears with rest and leg elevation. Increased venous pressure late in pregnancy may cause ankle edema. Constricting garters or pantyhose may mechanically cause lower-extremity edema."

BoneLady

Marlys,

In a 2005 study you referred to, the patients were taking 2 grams (2000 milligrams) strontium ranelate, the same dosage recommended today. The 2 grams strontium ranelate (a strontium compound) breaks down in the body to yield 680 mg elemental strontium (the active ingredient).

I do not think you should be concerned about taking 2 gm strontium citrate (680 mg elemental strontium) if you do not have severe renal impairment, a history of blood clots, or a blood clotting disorder. Pregnant or lactating women should also not take it.

A half dose (340 mg elemental strontium) will also be effective, but 680 mg is considered optimal.

I have been taking strontium citrate for 18 months, my DEXA scan improved significantly, and I feel great. I hope you can say the same in a few months.

April995

Hi AussieLass,
Thank you for your Info..
I just had an Mri about a month ago. Before I could take the Mri, my kidneys had to be checked with a blood test. That test came out fine I was told. If it didn't , I could not have the Mri.

Btw, I woke up this morning, and my ankles where normal, and skinny as they should be lol.!!!
I have to admitt, I did some exercises. I think your right, I have to move around more. For years I have taken Yoga, but since I found out I had Osteo I stopped, and have not done very much sinse, which is not good for me obviously..

How do you have your Lymphatics tested?
Do you mean Lymph nodes?

There is some testing being done in California on Strontium citrate.
The results should be interesting.
Amazing such a small amount of people have been tested taking Strontium Renelate!!!

Thanks again,
Take Care,
April

AussieLass

Hi Gatekeeper,
Was very interested to read about you personal experiences with aspartame and the parallel between your symptoms and the side effects of taking strontium Ranelate which, as we know, contains a small amount of aspartame.
(The choice of aspartame as the sweetener is bewildering).
It really brings it home that our reaction to different substances can be so different.
Wouldn't it be strange if the side effects, in your list above for strontium ranelate, were all related in the clinical trials to a reaction to the inactive ingredient aspartame?
I guess there would have to be a lot of individuals with a sensitivity to the substance for a start. No I don't believe this could be the case, but it may well account for some of the trial results?
The reason I thought it might be the strontium itself that was causing the symptoms was finding the parallels between the list above and reactions from some strontium citrate users.
There's nothing scientific about my conclusion because of the myriad of other variables. Just looking for some
possibilities.
An ester of citric acid ( in strontium citrate )
is created by the removal of the hydrogen atom from citric acid I think.
Calcium and strontium have to be taken apart as you say. One binds with the other, I read, diminishing the effect. I have to take the strontium ranelate on an empty stomach at least three hours after food also. Bedtime is suggested.
I am still getting my head around the actual quantities of minerals to be taken and especially, their relationship to each other ie how the difference in the level of one can interfere with the bioavailability of the other.
Have to run. Doctor's appointment. Best wishes.

AussieLass

Hi April,
Thanks for your reply to mine.
Yes strontium citrate and strontium ranelate are different -and yet the same in the basic ingredient: strontium.
I believe that strontium ranelate was created to make money from the beneficial effects of strontium, a natural mineral shown to have therapeutic effects on bone density. Natural mineral products can't be patented.
Also possible that strontium NEEDS to be bound with other agents to make it palatable or aid in its absorbency in the body. Still investigating that one.

And are there different side effects from these binding agents or ingredients?

Possibly. Sensitivities to ingredients in these could lead to differing results.
Aspartame (in Str. Ranelate) has known toxic effects on the nervous system. A small amount is used to sweeten Protos.
Gatekeeper had interesting info on this from personal experience.


Strontium has been used as a medicinal substance since 1884, first listed in Squire's Companion to the British Pharma-copoiea.
Research was done in 1959 at the Mayo clinic. Strontium lactate was used on 32 individuals. Results then were favourable. No significant side effects.
In 1985 strontium carbonate was tested on 6 individuals. Claimed 172 percent increase in RATE of bone formation Claimed diminished bone pain in subjects.

So many strontium products! Pharmaceutical ones give us test data and show side effects and warnings. The variables in these medications are the other agents, granted, but in the absence of other data for health supplements like strontium citrate, it's good to be alert to parallels, even given these variables, and check them out.
I've had 7 doses of Strontium Ranelate. Early hip aches gone in couple of days. Headaches in the morning as per side effects but may relate to levels of fluid intake- varies accordingly.
Your swelling after long periods sitting and after being asleep reminds me of my days of pregnancy when sitting for long periods esp travelling, created same effect.
I am and always have been a slim build.
Swelling went away with activity.
You say your kidneys are ok for sure? Have you researched fluid levels? Lymphatic problems?
The only link I can think of between strontium and fluid problems is the kidney factor.
Swelling and possible blood clots is a warning for strontium users (ranelate) but you have seen the doctor and this would have been an obvious one.
Willl be really interested to see what the homopathic doctor comes up with. As you say everyone is different, but we can use some good possibilities to explore.
Let me know if you solve your ankle/swelling problem. Good luck!

April995

Hi SantaFe ,
Thanks,
I have looked for side effects for Strontium Citrate but Never saw this one! Very good.

About 16 yrs ago, at night I stepped into a hole that was a foot deep. I Thought I broke my left ankle, but the Xray said I didn't.
Two times with-in two week, my left calf swelled up 5 inch bigger then the right . I was rushed for a sonogram as the Dr. thought I had a blood clot.
I didn't.
I was on crutchs for almost 6 months, and runing my own business, standing on my feet all day. It was such a mess..For the next 1 1/2 yrs my calf was always bigger, but more noticable to me! (not over weight)
After a 1 1/2 yrs of this mess, I went to a Orthopedic Dr. (should have not waited so long) He said , I torn the muscle in my left calf, and it had filled up with fluid, and would always be alitte bigger, and do not do any exercise like going up and down on your toes/stairs ! That will make it fill up with fluid more..
But after taking strontium for acouple of months, all the problems started with my leg again, but now my right leg also, but not nearly as bad!

My Drs. do not know about Strontium when I asked them about it.
The Drs. wanted me to take Forteo, Reclast. I refused after reading about them. Then I did take one monthly Boniva. Was so sick for two weeks, and will never take it again.

When I get up from the Computer, my ankle really is swell after, even though I try and put it up sometimes!
After I take a 1/2 of water pill my Dr. gave me, My ankles are still swollen in the mornings now!

Not sure of what kind of specialist to see at this point.
I did go to my Cardo, but he didn't think it was a big deal!! grrrr..

I have learned so much for everyone on this site.

Thank you,
April

SantaFe

April,
Sorry if you already know this, but there is a warning about strontium and leg swellings, particularly one leg swellings. Here is a link to a UK doctor's web site with warnings about Strontium Ranelate and leg swellings: (scroll down to "warnings")
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/achesandpains/medicines/100000762.html

Did any doctor check yet to see if you have a clot in your leg when they checked your neck viens?
good luck with this, Santa Fe

April995

Gatekeeper thanks,
I saw my Dr. last night (personal friend) and he said wear support hose also. Its hot in California, and I wear sandels this time of the year!! ( i know I'm making excues not to wear them )

What is freaking me out is, The swelling of my left leg and now the right one , which is not as bad, only started after taking strontium for a short time, and now the Drs are telling me the swelling is caused from my veins! I Just had a sonogram on my croited (sp?) arteries in my neck and there GREAT, no problem there.
Now trying to figure out , how do I improve my Veins??

The health food store I go to said, too up my Co Q 10 to 400 mg aday!
Anyone take that much?

Take Care,
April

Gatekeeper

Marlys,

Thanks for looking up that info, really puts things into perspective.

Marlys

Thanks gatekeeper!!!
I also just had a colonoscopy and could not believe the terrible way I felt after drinking that solution. I was so sore from it and usually I can handle that type of thing fairly well . I don't know if asparatame was in it or not ; it was called Go-litely or something like that.
If 1gm is 1000mg then the women in the 2005 study were taking 2ooo mg per day which is way above what we are recommended to take,
That means that I am less concerned about taking it. .
and still waiting for it to come so I can start it.

Gatekeeper

Marlys, Pure Encapsulation capsules are 227mg, my doctor has me on 2/day... well actually 2/in the wee hours when I wake up around 1-2am. ;-)

Gatekeeper

April, I'm wondering if your swelling has more to do with your lymphatic system then blood circulation. Might look up lymphadema (sic)... not sure if that happens in the legs or not.

Support hose might help. Wait till it cools down perhaps, it may not be a lifelong thing, just a few months hopefully.

Gatekeeper

Aspartame
1.nausea
2.diarrhea
3.headache
4.skin irritation

Are almost all symptoms of Aspartame sensitive people to my knowledge. I know my husband and I get 1.2.&3. from it. He was in a world of hurt for his colonoscopy just because they put that stuff in the solution he had to drink. Had we only known...

*Bonelady tells us that the citrate is a salt or ester of citric acid.*

Strontium on the periodic chart is related to (same column) calcium & magnesium.. so unless calcium is a salt... Neither is anything like table salt. So don't get confused by that.

>severe kidney disease, blood clots... The risk of vein thrombosis<

I believe many of those warnings also apply to folks who take too high amount of calcium also. So imagine high calcium amount plus strontium with both of them being so similar?... I know from reading here, I cut my calcium in take and take it hours before and after strontium intake.

Marlys

I really haven't heard of a connection between bone pain and strontium ranelate, however, I am in the beginning stages of learning about this . I would think that if nothing else was changed in your life or meds that it is not coincidental that the wrist pain would be caused by this mineral. That is the way that I would look at it myself. What it means I don't know ?
Last night I found a 23 page scientific discussion of strontium ranelate (2005). The trade name of the drug was Osseor. Since ranelic acid has no pharmocological action I would think that strontium citrate would be just about the same as strontium ranelate?
I skimmed the 23 pages but it will take me awhile to digest all of it as it is difficult to understand much of it.
It appears that at that time (2005 ) most of the studies had been done on rats, chimps and at some point a group of older women who had sustained at least one fracture.
The dosage did not need to be decreased in relationship to age.
I am concerned that there was a significant increase in reports of venous thrombosis ,pulmonary embolism, stenosis in the groups on strontium ranelate . Serious adverse events for 25 patients in the strontium ranelate group vs 14 in placebo group.In the under 80 group the same problems was reported by 12 patients vs 3 in the placebo group.
"Increasing reports of embolism, thrombosis, stenosis in patients on strontium ranelate was also seen in the large subsets of patients treated comcomittently with oral anticoagulants (blood thinners or antiplatelet agents respectively. An exploration of predisposing factors failed to disclose any imblalances between groups"

My questions are twofold :
1) Has anyone here on strontium had this type of problem
2) Does anyone know if there is any more available research that has been done on this since 2005.
3) The reearchers at the time were puzzled by this.

It is alarming to me that women on blood thinners would still be having blood clots etc. particularly when they are on blood thinners.
The dosage was , I believe 2g/d which I interpret as 2 gm per day which may be a larger dose than we are now recommended to take as I would need to convert gm to mg.
Does anyone have any imput on this?
Thanks
Maureen
.

millie123

Big caution here. Sometimes rashes very rapidly progress to anaphalactic shock. You can die and die quickly. So please, please be careful.

Osteoporosis-D

I have been taking strontium citrate for a month now with the only side effect being some constipation at the outset, as mentioned by the Bone Lady.

I also get hives occasionally but not as a result of the strontium. On one occasion I was having lunch with a friend and we both watched as my arm broke out in a rash/hives and then watched it disappear over the next hour. We hadn't even begun to eat anything yet- so it wasn't the food.

I would not assume that a rash or hives will evolve into a near death experience. Sometimes rashes just happen. I think strontium is extremely promising and a person has to persist for several years...with the correct amount of calcium and vitamin D.

Marlys

Thanks Susan
I just ordered the strontium today..
you are correct that without the Internet we would all be in worse condition.
I will start out taking one tablet a day
I just wish that i wasn't so fearful that I am going to break a bone now... never thought of it before
Maureen

SusanRae

Hi Marlys ~

My 680 mg strontium citrate comes in the form of two capsules. You could take just one and get 340 mg. Or, since it's a powder, you could take apart the capsules and reduce the amount even further. I used to do that when I gave my cat human glucosamine. My vet gave me some empty capsules and I removed the end of the full glucosamine capsule and poured some into an empty one until it looked like they both had equal amounts. It was approximate, but close enough. Your doctor or pharmacist may have some empty capsules if you want to go this route.

I've taken Doctor's Best strontium citrate since June and no side effects to date. I also started vitamin K at the same time. I got both from Vitacost.com. Seemed to be the cheapest place--I think they had a deal on the shipping and handling if you order over a certain dollar amount.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wish you luck in your search for something that works for you. This site has a wide range of topics that should prove informational. The glory of the internet, huh?

Susan

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