Originally published October 5 2011
Strontium can be vital for reversing bone loss and building healthy bones
by Tony Isaacs
(NaturalNews) When most people hear about strontium they likely think about strontium-90, a highly dangerous, radioactive component of nuclear fallout. However, stable non-radioactive strontium is non toxic even when administered in large doses. As numerous studies for over half a century have demonstrated, this often overlooked mineral also appears to be one of the most effective substances yet found for treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Strontium, which was discovered in 1808 and was named after the Scottish town of Strontian, is element number 38 of the periodic table of elements and lies directly below calcium on the table. Strontium is naturally present in trace amounts with around 100 micrograms in every gram of bone, and it is part of the same chemical family as calcium as well as magnesium, two other minerals vital for healthy bones. Thus, supplementing with strontium will make more of a vital natural element available for your bones.
Scientists have discovered strontium has a unique method of action that provides a dual activity in your bones. Bone cells are continuously growing and being re-absorbed at the same time; bone growth drugs or rock-based calcium primarily affect only the resorption side of the equation. Strontium provides the double benefit of inhibiting bone resorption while simultaneously stimulating bone growth. No other natural substance or drug is known to provide this dual effect.
Strontium was studied in both animals and humans from the early 1950s to the early 1960s and was shown to have important bone health properties. For example, in 1959, the Mayo Clinic discussing a study involving strontium lactate for osteoporosis reported, "the therapeutic value of the drug appears to be established". In the 1980's a pair of studies also returned promising results for strontium on bone health.
Human studies within the past decade have reported extraordinary results for strontium. In one large multi-phase study it was found that post-menopausal women added 8.1% new bone growth over a three year period; whereas, they would normally have lost about 1% of their bone mass each year.
Notably, most of the recent year studies on strontium have used strontium ranelate, a patentable (and thus profitable) compound which binds strontium to the synthetic cation ranelate. Unlike natural forms of strontium, the ranelate form could be dangerous. Strontium ranelate contains phenylalanine and the detailed data sheet for strontium ranelate warns chillingly of deadly risks of venous thromboembolism as well as dermatitis.
Fortunately, clinical studies on several natural forms of strontium salt have also had positive results - without the side effects. It appears that strontium is the active component, and not the carbonate, ranelate, lactate, or citrate part the strontium is attached to.
Important Notes:
1. Strontium supplements should be taken along with adequate calcium consumption and the two similar minerals should be taken apart from one another since they compete at the sites of absorption.
2. Strontium should not be used as a treatment in children since it may alter the architecture of their rapidly growing bones. Thus far, no studies have been done using high dose strontium on children.
3. Strontium should not be used as a single "magic bullet". For the best results, one should use a comprehensive approach to regaining bone strength and include such other natural modalities of bone support as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, boron, vitamin K2, and weight bearing exercise.
[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]
Sources included
http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/21/21/4042.f...
http://www.jacn.org/content/19/6/715.short
http://www.worldhealth.net/news/strontium_br...
http://healthspanlife.wordpress.com/2010/12/...
http://www.curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1859...
See also:
"Calcium Alone is not Enough for Healthy Bones"
http://www.naturalnews.com/028776_calcium_bo...
"How to Beat and Prevent Osteoporosis Naturally"
http://www.naturalnews.com/026841_bone_osteo...
"New Study - Seniors can literally shake their way to better bone health"
http://www.naturalnews.com/032083_seniors_bo...
"Bone Drugs: The Latest Skeletons in Big Pharma's Closet"
http://www.naturalnews.com/025021_drug_bone_...
About the author
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year. He is also a contributing author for the worldwide advocacy group "S.A N.E.Vax. Inc" which endeavors to uncover the truth about HPV vaccine dangers.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near Austin and San Antonio to give lectures and health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".
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