Is Strontium Good For Bones?

Introduction to Bone Composition

When we think about bone health, many people consider nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins D3 and K2. But what about strontium? Do you know what strontium is? Today, we want to share some details about it. We will explain why this trace mineral might be good for our bones, but it can also be risky.

Bone Composition Breakdown

Our bones are made of a mix of different parts that work together for strength and flexibility. The main part in bones is calcium. With phosphorus, it makes a hard structure called hydroxyapatite. This helps bones be strong. Oxygen is also important for bones. It is found in both the hard part and the soft part. Carbon and hydrogen are mostly in the soft part. They are found, especially in collagen, a protein that adds some flexibility to bones. Magnesium is also in bones, but in smaller amounts. It helps keep the bone strong and helps create hydroxyapatite crystals. Parts like sodium and potassium are important for cell functions in bone tissue. Calcium fluoride can replace hydroxide in hydroxyapatite, making fluorapatite, which helps stop decay. Small parts like zinc, manganese, and boron are also in bones. They are important for bone health and help with other functions. Overall, bone tissue is about 65% hard parts—mostly hydroxyapatite—and about 35% soft parts, mainly collagen and other proteins. This mix makes bones strong but also a bit flexible.

The Functions of Strontium in Bone Health

Strontium is really good for bones. First, let's see what it can do. Strontium has two main functions in bone metabolism:

• Helps osteoblasts work better – which boosts bone growth.

• Stops osteoclasts from working – which lowers bone loss.

Strontium in Osteoporosis Treatment

This dual impact has made strontium very interesting for treating osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a health issue that makes bones weak and increases the risk of breaks. One of the most studied compounds is strontium ranelate. This is used in Europe as a medicine for women who have serious osteoporosis after menopause.

Clinical studies, like the SOTI (Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention) and TROPOS (Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis) trials, have shown that strontium ranelate significantly reduces the risk of fractures in the spine and other bones. It works by replacing calcium in the bone, which makes the bone stronger and more stable.

Strontium does not only take the place of calcium. It also interacts with signals in the body that help to change bones. It can activate the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) on cells that build bone, which are called osteoblasts. This helps the body create more bone.

The Dangers of Excessive Strontium

However, it’s important to know that too much strontium can be bad and can cause different effects.

Radioactive Strontium

Strontium can be harmful depending on its type, especially when it’s the radioactive form known as strontium-90 (⁹⁰Sr). This type comes from nuclear reactions and is often released during accidents at nuclear power plants or when atomic weapons are tested. Strontium-90 acts like calcium, so if you breathe it in or swallow it, it can be taken in by bones and teeth. Once it is in the body, it gives off beta radiation. This radiation can damage nearby tissues and greatly increases the risk of bone cancer, leukemia, and other blood problems. People might be exposed to strontium-90 in areas affected by nuclear fallout or accidents, such as Chernobyl or Fukushima, or in places where weapons were tested.

Industrial Pollution

Another way to get harmful strontium is from pollution in factories. This is true for those that make ceramics, fireworks, or refine other materials. Even though these types of strontium are safe and not radioactive, they can still be bad for your health if there is too much of them. Breathing in or swallowing large amounts can harm your skin, lungs, or stomach. It may also hurt the balance of calcium in your body.

Excessive Supplementation

Even stable kinds of strontium, like those in dietary supplements, can be bad if taken in big amounts. High-dose supplements, such as strontium citrate or other types, can increase risks for heart issues. This means a greater chance of blood clots and heart attacks. Also, too much strontium can disturb normal calcium use in the body and affect bone health. This is very important for children and teens whose bones are still growing. In these cases, strontium may harm healthy bone development and create issues in bone structure.

Contaminated Water Sources

Dirty water sources, especially close to factories or nuclear plants, can expose people to regular and radioactive strontium. When strontium is present in drinking water over a long period, it can accumulate in the body. This buildup could cause long-term health problems.

Conclusion

In short, small amounts of strontium from food are probably safe. They may even be good for bone health. However, the human body does not need strontium as much as it needs calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus. These are much more important.

If you have issues with your bones and want to see if you need more strontium in your supplements, you can find out easily. Just order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis from us, and we will test you!