Because of recent discussions and questions concerning strontium, we have some information to share with you.
Strontium is a mineral that is present in some foods we eat, and it is available as a dietary or nutritional supplement as well. While some supplement companies are promoting the benefits of this mineral, and a few studies have shown that strontium may help increase bone density, more studies are needed before any conclusions can be made.
The mineral forms of strontium are not the same as strontium ranelate, which is a drug sold in Europe and other countries to treat osteoporosis. Chemically, strontium ranelate consists of a combination of strontium and ranelic acid. Strontium ranelate is not available in the U.S. since it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In summary, strontium is not a new drug or a new treatment for osteoporosis. It is a mineral that is available as a dietary supplement, and strontium ranelate is a drug that is not FDA-approved for use in the U.S. It is important to note that a dietary supplement does not substitute for a medication that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis. Additionally, dietary supplements are not FDA regulated or tested like drugs, nor are their health claims approved by the FDA. It is unknown whether the strontium available as a nutritional supplement is absorbed in substantial enough doses to have any effect on bone.
Posted by the Education Staff at NOF