Strontium Ranelate and related products

Biphosphonates give me an uneasy feeling as do HRT medications and Forteo
Am researching strontium based products to evaluate the wisdom of this alternative.

Strontium ranulate( Protos in Australia) has great clinical results and low side effects (literature only for me) The ASPARTAME content of 20mg is of concern. Used as an inactive ingredient. Sweetener. If you drink diet soft drinks PLEASE check this out. Question is, is there any info out there on the effects of amounts like 20mg of Aspartame taken daily over a considerable length of time?

I wonder about the different types of strontium products and how they differ?
Strontium citrate has shown good results it seems and there is one called Strontium malonate that looks worth investigating too.
Am I being cynical in wondering whether the basic ingredient strontium is the wonder mineral and that additives added by pharmaceutical companies are there so that they can be marketted and priced differently?
Strontium citrate is a shelf product I know, in US and some out there swear by it. Not promoted because only a shelf product, unlike the Protos? Is Strontium citrate in Australia and what does IT contain? Vitamin C?
Off the track a bit, I am wondering whether those of you who have differing results from your same medications for osteoporosis have considered, among the many human variables, the interaction of minerals or supplements in your diet? Am still learning here. Right medication and exercise plus appropriate minerals in balance seems to be the go.

By Osteoporosis-D
Posted August 19, 2009 at 9:47 pm
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Hi AussieLass:

If you google osteoporosis strontium, you will find some earlier research that suggests it is indeed the strontium that is the effective element and not the salts that the prescription companies need to patent the product. (They are not allowed to patent natural elements.)

I am just finishing the last of my Evista and will be relying on strontium, an improved diet and lots of exercise to improve my bone density.

By AussieLass
Posted August 19, 2009 at 11:58 pm
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Hi Osteoporosis_D,
Thank you for your reply! Appears to confirm my thoughts.
I see also that article states that the American company Osteolgix claims to have superior absorption with its strontium malonate compared to the Aussie pharmaceutical strontium ranelate (Protos). Interesting.
If you are heading onto strontium, look also at the PDF form of product information
for Protos. It contains full details of some of the side effects I also see in posts regarding strontium citrate and I believe it's the strontium itself that is causing these symptoms. Many users are symptom free of course, but it pays to be aware of possiblities. Take particular care if you get a rash. Rare but seriously not good.
If strontium citrate were available here I would favour that because of aspartame in ours.
Am in day 4 of mine and yesterday had sudden onset of ache in hips but ok today. An adjustment or another random variable I can't say for sure. Time will tell.
Why are you keen to get off Evista, by the way? It's a SERM I see and the better choice re hormone medication. I can't go this way for medical reasons. You can't use both strontium and SERM? That info may be in the reading on Protos I guess.
I am presently trying to sort out why our hormone levels correlate highly to osteoporosis. 1 in 3 post menopausal women get OP I read. Obviously this can be overcome because there are success stories out there but finding the right path is a challenging journey.
Have a look at mineral interactions when sorting diet. Magnesium essential for vit D and calcium to function for us etc. Still pulling this together.
Just read a post today suggesting no more bending over or twisting. Considering the hectic physical work I have been doing it's amazing I'm not broken completely then!
I need to investigate more on movement in exercising I see. A bit depressing.
Well, good luck with your progress and thanks again.

By SusanRae
Posted August 20, 2009 at 12:41 pm
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Hi Aussie Lass:

You might see if you can get your hands on the book "What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" by Dr. Lee. It has some good information about hormones/osteoporosis/menopause.

I borrowed a copy from the library.

Susan

By AussieLass
Posted August 20, 2009 at 7:52 pm
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Hi Susan,
Thanks for the follow up. Will look out for that one. A gynnacologist friend confirmed last night the crucial role hormones play in the utilisation of calcium. We've lost a controlling mechanism. Your book may tell me more.
Read your inspiration. Always interested to know the person. Accessed the link and the music is quite lovely. Noticed on the righthand side, of the page that came up, a duet singing. Thought it might be the same one because it read beneath "on the wings of .." It's actually Evening Prayer, a lovely harmony and worth a listen . Did a sub major in music way back (this really counts for very little) and music helped me get through the darkest hours of my life. It's great company. Was in a school choir and play the guitar but that hardly compares to your achievements!
Your story is interesting and the medical side of it must have been stressful even though you present it so prosaically! Do you need to be on cortisone or hydrocortisone treatment now, if I may ask?
What is a P patch garden? Fascinating. Gardening's my thing too. Guess because it's so rewarding but I get fast rewards in a more tropical climate. Was born in the south of Australia (Victoria) where the winters are very cold (not as cold as yours) and am now further up, closer to Brisbane in Queensland.
Off to do more research!
Thanks again for reply.

By Marlys
Posted August 25, 2009 at 8:26 pm
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Well I just got my strontium citrate in the mail so I am going to start it tomorrow.
I read an article recently that suggested that small amounts of strontium will decrease fractures although smaller doses will not show up on bone density tests as significant improvement.
I have decided to open the capsule and only take very small amounts daily in order to gauge my body's reaction to this mineral.
it does bother me somewhat that large doses of strontium is not natural for the human body and that its effects long term is now known but it doesn't bother me enough not take it at all or to take a biophosphonate.
i'll let everyone know how i feel on it.....
any other info to ease my mind would be appreciated

By AussieLass
Posted August 26, 2009 at 6:34 am
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Hi Marlys,
Good luck with your trial! Didn't know the citrate version comes in capsules. I guess that's how they get past the need to sweeten the product and to make it soluble as in the case of Strontium Ranelate which is in loose powder form (sachets). Can you close the capsule after opening it I wonder?
Haven't found anything further to your investigations re strontium. If It's any consolation, I think that Strontium is still the best choice compared to the biphosphonates and am still using the Aussie version.
I would love to have the self confidence to tackle it naturally ie by diet and exercise alone like our physical therapist Sara.
A recent video really made me think hard about it. Will post it as a discussion if I can find the link again.
Will be interested to hear how you get along with the Strontium Citrate.
All the best.

By Marlys
Posted August 26, 2009 at 3:12 pm
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Hi Aussie,
The vegetable capsule can be opened and closed ; I am wondering if this drug becomes less effective with caffeine intake. I have given up caffeine except in tea which is an improvement as I was an energy drink and diet pop junkie and now could just kick myself for my ignorance and neglect of myself.
Anyway does anyone know about strontium and caffeine.
I didn't take it yet today ...
Marlys

By Youngbones
Posted August 26, 2009 at 7:54 pm
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Hi Aussielass,

I live in Sydney and have looked into the Strontium citrate situation in Australia and as you mentioned its not available here. I've had no trouble ordering it over the internet from the US from a website called Vitacost. Thanks to other members of this blogsite I also found out which brand to order: Drs Best. I was concerned about buying supplements over the internet that might not contain what they claim but according to some others this brand has been tested in the US and passed the test. I wouldn't touch Aspartame (it is implicated in lymphoma and leukemia according to some studies that I've heard of) which is why I won't take the Protos product (Strontium Ranelate) we have hear in Australia because it is included as a sweetener.

Cheers,

Youngbones

By AussieLass
Posted August 26, 2009 at 9:27 pm
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Hi Marlys,
Rang Servier's medical representative in Australia. (Servier makes Strontium Ranelate).
I was told that effect of caffeine on strontiun(R) is a grey are. In other words, she didn't know. However, I have read that caffeine is a no no for those who have osteoporosis. I guess the odd cup would be ok ( special occasions) but forget the three or more cups per day (from my understanding).
I still drink tea but watch my quantities there. Supposed to be less of a problem than coffee because of flavonoids in it if I remember correctly. Haven't tested this with further research.
Fluid levels are important and this is where I fail because I just get so busy and absorbed in what I'm doing that I forget to take stock of it. Silly girl I am!
Stopped and had a glass of water then!!!
Caffeine and tea both have a dehydrating effect on the body I am told, so important to get good old H2O.
My husband suggested I fill a bottle equal to my daily requirement and make sure it's gone by the end of the day. Mmm. Might work. I do know that a small squeeze of lemon juice in the water (no white sugar of course) makes a refreshing and more interesting drink.
Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes with you.
Take Care

By Tom-WI
Posted August 26, 2009 at 9:33 pm
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Hi Youngbones,

I believe your supplier is the one I had trouble getting timely delivery from on Drs Best Strontium Citrate. I've been ordering from Better Health International. This company seems to stock it in quantity and delivery is always fast.

Tom

By Tom-WI
Posted August 26, 2009 at 9:42 pm
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Hi AussieLass,

I believe the effects of caffeine have been discussed here awhile back. You could do a search on it. I recall that caffeine works against calcium absorption. We could all try to reduce our caffeine consumption, but I believe that if we take adequate quantities of calcium, we can offset the effects of our tea or coffee in the morning.

I didn't realize how important water intake was until I talked with an inlaw that is an entertainer. He said he allowed himself to get dehydrated while playing, and his blood thickened up enough to have a stroke. He is now taking 325 mg. aspirin every day and I assume drinking adequate water. His dr didn't feel he needed to be on Warfarin at this time.

Tom

By AussieLass
Posted August 26, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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Hi Youngbones,
Another Aussie! Thank you so much for that information. I love this site! Yes it's the aspartame that really worries me.
Strontium as a medication has a history which goes way back. That's a bit reassuring in that if it caused deaths or seriously major health issues it would have shown up by now surely and the product would have been abandoned. That's not to say that the side effects shouldn't be explored and noted and trials followed.
May I ask what costs are involved in shipping the Str. Citrate in?
For how long have you been taking this one?
Thanks again.

By AussieLass
Posted August 26, 2009 at 10:09 pm
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Hi Tom,
Grateful for your input.
Yes our need for fluid is critical. I had my kidney results back yesterday and was happy to find they are ok even tho' I have been a devil with fluid intake. I know when I am under required levels. I get a headache!
How are you finding the Strontium Citrate?
Any problems?
Thanks Tom.

By Youngbones
Posted August 27, 2009 at 12:13 am
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Hi again Aussielass.

I have shipped several products from Vitacost. The postage is pretty reasonable I thought. It took about two - three weeks to arrive. I haven't converted to $AUS but postage was under $5 US to ship 4 bottles. About $25US to ship 24 bottles. All up, including cost of the Strontium citrate, it's cheaper than prescription (Non-PBS) Protos is here in Australia.

Regards,

Youngbones

By Osteoporosis-D
Posted August 27, 2009 at 12:31 am
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Just a reminder that strontium only works when taken with 1,500 mg calcium and 800 IUs of vitamin D. And strontium must be taken on an empty stomach...ideally before going to bed.

By AussieLass
Posted August 27, 2009 at 1:10 am
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Thanks for that Youngbones.
Heading off for a few days on the boat with my other half. He's been so patient with my hours on the computer. He has enjoyed seeing me find support and encouragement from this site. Now it's time for me to give him some of my time and attention I think!
We'll chat again no doubt!

By AussieLass
Posted August 27, 2009 at 1:18 am
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Hi Osteoporosis_D,
Thank you for that reminder. Protos provided a vitamin combo with their strontium ranelate and it's 600mg calcium and 500iu of Vitamin D. One per day.
Interesting the quantity with the Str. Citrate! The calcium is C. carbonate they provide not C. citrate too. Gotta work out which type of calcium is best. Have looked at E Zorb but haven't gone any further with it. Don't know whether available here.
Gotta run.
Good to hear from you again!

By Tom-WI
Posted August 27, 2009 at 8:08 pm
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Hi AussieLass,

I don't have any health stores nearby that would handle strontium citrate, so I buy it online from Better Health International.

Re the calcium type, citrate is more easily absorbed than carbonate. I find calcium citrate with vitamin-D readily available at our Walmart here in the US.

If you do decide to take strontium citrate, remember to take it on an empty stomach and not at the same time as your calcium.

Tom

By AussieLass
Posted September 1, 2009 at 1:50 am
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Hi Tom,
Thanks for that. Yes, I have been reading that calcium citrate is better for absorption.
Will check out that online site.
Appreciate your help.

By SaraD
Posted September 1, 2009 at 11:48 am
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I wrote an article about my own use of strontium in July 2008. It is published in the Health section of OnlineJournal.com.
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_3458.shtml

You may want to check the references I cited that include a 1958 study by the Mayo Clinic where Strontium was used successfully on a small group of severely osteoporotic women.

I continue to take strontium citrate, plus 1200 mg Calcium and 4,000 IU Vitamin D3. I have had no further vertebral fractures since I began this regime.

Remember that taking a pill alone will not do the job. You must change your diet and get appropriate weight bearing exercise as well.

I would never recommend opening a capsule and taking part of it. The capsule is there to protect your throat from direct contact until the mineral is in your stomach.

Welcome to Inspire!

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