Strontium: What it does and how to use it safely

Heard about strontium for stronger bones and wondered if it’s worth trying? Strontium is a naturally occurring mineral that shows up in tiny amounts in food and soil. Some forms are used in topical products for dental sensitivity, others in supplements aiming to support bone density. This page breaks down the types, how people use them, and what to watch for so you can decide with real facts, not hype.

Forms and common uses

There are a few forms you’ll see: strontium chloride often appears in toothpastes for sensitive teeth, while strontium citrate or carbonate are sold as dietary supplements. Strontium ranelate was a prescription product used for osteoporosis in some countries, but it has specific safety limits and isn’t available everywhere. People usually try supplements for bone support, or they encounter strontium in dental products and specialty prescriptions.

Why does it matter? Strontium is heavier than calcium and can get taken up by bone. In clinical settings, that showed increases in bone mineral density. But higher density on a scan doesn’t always mean fewer fractures, and some prescription forms were linked to heart and blood clot risks—so safety matters more than the number on a DXA report.

Practical tips if you’re considering strontium

First: talk to your doctor. If you have heart disease, blood clot risk, or poor kidney function, strontium—especially prescription ranelate—may be unsafe. Second: separate strontium supplements from calcium and vitamin D by a couple of hours. Strontium competes with calcium for absorption, so taking them together reduces benefit.

Third: expect interference with bone scans. Strontium can artificially raise your bone mineral density reading because it’s denser than calcium. If you take supplements and need DXA monitoring, tell your radiologist and clinician so they interpret results correctly.

Fourth: watch doses. Over-the-counter strontium supplements vary. Prescription regimens were carefully controlled; OTC doses aren’t the same. Don’t exceed recommended amounts on the product label without medical guidance. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid strontium supplements unless a clinician says otherwise.

Fifth: consider proven basics first. Weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, and fall prevention have stronger safety records for fracture prevention. Strontium can be an additional option in some cases, but it shouldn’t replace those essentials.

If you want to try strontium, bring your medication list to your healthcare visit, ask about heart and kidney checks, and plan DXA timing with your doctor. Used carefully and with oversight, strontium may play a role in some people’s bone health strategy—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix.