Strontium
Description
Strontium is an alkaline earth metal that shares chemical similarities with calcium, leading to its uptake by the body, particularly in bone tissue. While strontium ranelate is a prescription medication used to treat osteoporosis in some countries, strontium citrate is available as a dietary supplement. It is believed to work by stimulating osteoblast (bone-building cells) activity and inhibiting osteoclast (bone-resorbing cells) activity, thereby promoting bone formation and reducing bone breakdown. This dual action can contribute to maintaining bone mineral density.
Sources
SeafoodWhole grainsRoot vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes)Dairy products (in trace amounts)
Timing & Intake
AnytimePreferred: EveningEmpty stomachTake with Water, away from calcium/magnesium containing foods or supplements
It is generally recommended to take strontium on an empty stomach, at least 2-3 hours before or after consuming calcium, magnesium, or iron-containing foods or supplements to optimize absorption. Taking it in the evening, away from other minerals, can be a practical approach.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum200 mg
Maximum680 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Vitamin D
Vitamin D (40875) is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, synergistically supporting the bone-building effects that strontium aims to promote.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K (40888) plays a role in bone mineralization and works alongside calcium and vitamin D to support bone integrity, complementing strontium's actions.
Boron
Boron (41062) supports bone health by influencing the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, potentially enhancing an overall bone support regimen with strontium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus (41061) is a major component of bone tissue and works with calcium to maintain bone structure. Ensuring adequate phosphorus intake can support overall bone health alongside strontium.
Negative Interactions
Calcium
Calcium (41049) and strontium compete for absorption in the gut and for uptake into bone. Taking them simultaneously can reduce strontium's effectiveness. It is crucial to space intake by several hours.
Magnesium
Magnesium (41050) can interfere with the absorption of strontium if taken at the same time, similar to calcium. Separate their intake by at least 2-3 hours.
Iron
Iron (41057) supplements can also impair the absorption of strontium. It is advisable to take them at different times of the day to maximize the absorption of both minerals.
Recommended products
Best 
Strontium (Citrate) 227 mg
Vital Nutrients
Strontium: 681 mg
A strontium citrate supplement providing a good dose for bone health, though it comes at a higher price per serving than some other options.
Best 
Strontium Complex with Vitamins D-3 and K-2
Swanson Ultra
Strontium: 100 mg
This supplement offers a blend of strontium, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2 (MK-7) to support bone health and mineral balance in a single softgel.
Best 
Strontium (Citrate)
Pure Encapsulations
Strontium: 227 mg
A very affordable strontium citrate supplement with a flexible per-capsule dose, suitable for those looking for cost-effective bone support.
Best 
Strontium Support II
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium
Strontium: 682 mg
A high-dose strontium citrate supplement offering good value and strong support for bone health.
Best 
Strontium Caps 750 mg
Life Extension
Strontium: 750 mg
A highly popular and potent strontium citrate supplement, offering a significant dose for bone support with widespread customer approval.
Best 
Bone Support with Strontium & Boron
Dr. Mercola
Strontium: 500 mg
This supplement offers a unique blend of minerals like strontium, boron, and manganese in bioavailable forms to support bone strength and connective tissue health.
Best 
BioStrong
Health Concerns
Strontium: 680 mg
A strontium carbonate supplement with BioPerine for absorption, offering a good dose but at a higher price and with a less common strontium form.
Best 
Osteo-Mins AM
Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories
Strontium: 500 mg
This supplement offers a focused blend of trace minerals like Strontium, Silicon, and Boron, along with other key elements, in forms chosen for good absorption, often used for bone and connective tissue support.
Best 
Strontium Citrate 340 mg
Swanson
Strontium: 340 mg
An incredibly affordable strontium citrate supplement offering flexible dosing and excellent value for bone health support.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$27.12
Median$27.74
Price per serving
Average$0.76
Median$0.77
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.12
Median$0.10
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Strontium Citrate (9) 80
This form combines strontium with citrate, an organic acid, which significantly improves its solubility and absorption in the digestive tract. It is a popular choice in bone health supplements due to its efficiency. Strontium citrate contributes to bone health by being incorporated directly into the bone matrix, where it is believed to both stimulate the production of new bone cells and inhibit the breakdown of existing bone, leading to improved bone mineral density and strength.
Pros
- High bioavailability, ensuring efficient absorption and utilization.
- Supports bone mineral density and overall bone strength.
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended supplemental dosages.
Cons
- Can compete with calcium and magnesium for absorption, requiring separate dosing.
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some sensitive individuals.
Per product
Avg$23.26
Med$22.41
Per serving
Avg$0.60
Med$0.49
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.13
Med$0.12
Price distribution
Algae (4) 65
When strontium is sourced from algae, it refers to its natural presence within calcified marine plants, such as specific species of red algae. These algae absorb and integrate minerals, including strontium, from seawater into their cellular structures. This form provides strontium as part of a complex, naturally occurring mineral matrix, which may offer additional synergistic benefits from the other trace elements present.
Pros
- A natural, whole-food source of strontium.
- Often provides a broader spectrum of naturally occurring trace minerals alongside strontium.
- Generally recognized and utilized well by the body due to its natural form.
Cons
- The strontium content can be variable and generally lower compared to dedicated strontium salt supplements.
- Purity and potential for heavy metal contamination need to be verified from reputable suppliers.
Per product
Avg$34.67
Med$33.39
Per serving
Avg$1.12
Med$1.11
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.29
Med$0.29
Price distribution
Aquamin (1) 70
Aquamin is a specific brand name for a multi-mineral complex sourced from the calcified red algae Lithothamnion calcareum. While primarily known for its highly bioavailable calcium and magnesium content, it naturally includes a broad spectrum of over 70 trace minerals, with strontium being one of them. The strontium in Aquamin contributes to the overall mineral profile, supporting bone health by leveraging the synergistic action of a wide range of naturally occurring minerals.
Pros
- Natural, plant-based, and offers a multi-mineral complex.
- Provides strontium alongside other essential bone-supporting minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Often well-absorbed due to its natural, porous matrix.
Cons
- Strontium content is typically lower compared to specific strontium citrate or carbonate supplements.
- The primary benefit for bone health often comes from the higher calcium and magnesium content rather than strontium alone.
Per product
Avg$27.58
Med$27.58
Per serving
Avg$0.91
Med$0.91
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.13
Med$0.13
Price distribution
Aquamin calcified mineral source Red Algae (1) 75
This form of strontium is naturally present within the calcified structure of red algae, specifically from the Aquamin brand of Lithothamnion species. These algae absorb and incorporate a diverse array of minerals from the pristine Icelandic waters they inhabit. The strontium here is integrated into a complex natural matrix that also delivers significant amounts of calcium and magnesium, along with over 70 other trace minerals. These components work synergistically to support optimal bone mineral density and structural integrity.
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive mineral profile, including strontium, within a natural matrix.
- Features high bioavailability for multiple minerals due to its unique structure.
- Supports overall bone health through the synergistic action of various minerals.
Cons
- Natural strontium levels are not as concentrated as in isolated strontium salt supplements.
- May be less potent if the specific goal is to target very high doses of strontium.
Per product
Avg$31.51
Med$31.51
Per serving
Avg$0.70
Med$0.70
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.08
Med$0.08
Price distribution
Strontium Carbonate (1) 70
This form consists of strontium bound to carbonate. While it effectively delivers elemental strontium, its bioavailability can be slightly lower compared to organic acid forms like strontium citrate. Nevertheless, it serves as a viable option for strontium supplementation, contributing to the mineral matrix of bone and supporting its structural integrity. It functions through mechanisms similar to other strontium forms, influencing both the formation of new bone and the reduction of bone resorption.
Pros
- A readily available and common supplemental form of strontium.
- Effectively provides elemental strontium to support bone health.
Cons
- Potentially lower bioavailability compared to strontium citrate.
- May cause more digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, in some individuals due to the carbonate component.
- Requires separate dosing from calcium and magnesium supplements to prevent absorption interference.
Per product
Avg$27.90
Med$27.90
Per serving
Avg$0.62
Med$0.62
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Price distribution