Does Strontium Make Your Bones Stronger? An In-Depth Look at the Evidence

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Strontium, a trace mineral naturally present in the human body, is often promoted for its bone-building properties, with approximately 99% of it concentrated in the bones. The question of whether strontium makes your bones stronger, however, has a complex and controversial answer that depends heavily on the specific form of the mineral used and the context of its application.

Quick Summary

The effectiveness of strontium for strengthening bones varies significantly by its form, with a banned prescription drug showing efficacy but risks, while common supplements lack strong evidence and carry a risk of misleading test results. Evidence suggests strontium may have a dual effect on bone remodeling, but its safety and efficacy, particularly in supplement form, are debated.

Key Points

Prescription vs. Supplement Strontium: The effectiveness and risks vary dramatically between the heavily restricted prescription drug, strontium ranelate, and common over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements.
Misleading DEXA Scans: Over-the-counter strontium supplements can artificially inflate bone mineral density (BMD) readings on DEXA scans, masking actual bone loss due to strontium's heavier atomic weight compared to calcium.
Dual Action, but with Risks: Prescription strontium ranelate was known for its dual action—increasing bone formation and decreasing resorption—but was withdrawn in many regions due to serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic side effects.
Limited Evidence for Supplements: There is a lack of rigorous, independent clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and long-term safety of over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements for preventing fractures.
Prioritize Proven Methods: For genuine bone strength, rely on established strategies like proper calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and consultation with a healthcare professional regarding proven medical treatments.
Potential for Brittle Bone: Some critics suggest that while strontium increases bone density readings, it may negatively impact bone quality, potentially making bones more brittle and increasing fracture risk.

The Dual Action of Prescription Strontium

Strontium ranelate is a prescription medication, not available in the United States, that has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fracture risk in clinical trials. Unlike many osteoporosis drugs that focus on just one aspect of bone remodeling, strontium ranelate demonstrated a unique 'dual action' mechanism. It simultaneously stimulates osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue, and inhibits osteoclasts, the cells that break down old bone.

This dual approach appeared promising, and studies showed significant reductions in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who took the medication. However, the use of strontium ranelate was heavily restricted and ultimately withdrawn in many markets due to serious side effect concerns, including cardiovascular risks and a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots).

The Controversy of Over-the-Counter Strontium Citrate

Following the controversy and restriction of the prescription drug, many over-the-counter (OTC) supplements containing strontium citrate became widely available. These supplements are marketed to improve bone health and density. However, they are not regulated by the FDA with the same scrutiny as prescription drugs, and reliable long-term safety and efficacy data is limited.

A significant issue with OTC strontium supplements is their impact on bone density measurements, particularly Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Because strontium is a heavier element than calcium, its incorporation into bone can artificially inflate DEXA scan results, potentially leading to a false increase in reported BMD. This effect can be misleading for both patients and clinicians, making it difficult to accurately monitor bone health and disease progression. Several case studies have demonstrated this artifact, where reported BMD improvements disappeared upon cessation of the strontium supplement.

How does strontium interfere with DEXA scans?

Higher Atomic Weight: Strontium has a higher atomic number than calcium. When a DEXA machine measures bone density by passing X-rays through the bone, the heavier strontium element attenuates the X-rays more strongly than calcium. This is interpreted by the machine as denser, healthier bone, even if the structural quality is not genuinely improved.
Disguised Loss: The artificial inflation of BMD can mask actual, ongoing bone loss. A patient with osteoporosis might appear to be gaining bone mass when, in reality, they are continuing to lose it at a rate obscured by the strontium interference.
Monitoring Challenges: The difficulty in distinguishing between a true bone density change and the artificial effect makes it nearly impossible to use standard DEXA monitoring to track the real effectiveness of the supplement or the progression of osteoporosis.

Comparison of Strontium Ranelate vs. Strontium Citrate


Feature	Prescription Strontium Ranelate	Over-the-Counter Strontium Citrate
Availability	Restricted or withdrawn due to safety risks; not available in the US.	Widely available as a dietary supplement, unregulated by the FDA.
Evidence	Strong clinical trial evidence for reducing fracture risk, though mechanisms are debated.	Insufficient long-term human studies to prove efficacy and safety for osteoporosis.
Mechanism	Dual action: Increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption.	Primarily anecdotal, with some claiming similar but unproven effects.
Safety Concerns	Increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and blood clots.	Lack of reliable safety data for long-term use. Concerns about bone quality and absorption interference.
DEXA Scan Effect	Known to artificially inflate BMD measurements, an artifact requiring correction in research.	Uncorrected artificial inflation of BMD, misleading patients and monitoring.

Risks and Considerations for Strontium Supplements

The dual action of strontium ions has been demonstrated in lab studies and in the prescription drug context, but it does not automatically translate to a safe and effective outcome for unregulated supplements. The use of strontium supplements poses several risks and requires caution:

Potential for Brittle Bones: Some critics point to a concern that while strontium can increase bone density, it might reduce bone's tensile strength or elasticity, potentially making it more brittle and prone to fracture despite higher density readings.
Absorption Interference: Strontium and calcium compete for absorption in the gut. Taking high doses of a strontium supplement simultaneously with calcium supplements can reduce the absorption of calcium, a mineral vital for bone health.
Over-Supplementation: A healthy diet contains trace amounts of natural strontium, and most people do not need additional supplements. High, unchecked doses from supplements may lead to adverse effects or interfere with normal mineral metabolism.

Alternative and Proven Methods to Strengthen Bones

Given the documented risks of prescription strontium ranelate and the controversial, unproven nature of strontium citrate supplements, individuals concerned about bone health should focus on medically-endorsed strategies. These include adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and, when appropriate, FDA-approved medications for osteoporosis.

Calcium and Vitamin D: These are the foundational nutrients for bone health. A balanced diet and, if necessary, supplementation can ensure adequate intake.
Weight-Bearing Exercise: Activities that put stress on bones, such as walking, jogging, and weightlifting, stimulate bone growth and increase density.
Prescription Medications: Bisphosphonates and other FDA-approved treatments are proven to reduce fracture risk and are used under medical supervision.

Conclusion: Navigating the Strontium Debate

While prescription strontium ranelate showed efficacy in increasing bone density and reducing fractures, its serious side effect profile led to its restricted use or withdrawal. The readily available over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements, often used by those seeking alternative osteoporosis treatments, lack the robust clinical evidence of their predecessor and create a false sense of security due to misleading DEXA scan results. The question of whether strontium makes your bones stronger is not a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It is crucial to distinguish between different forms of strontium and understand the complex interplay of efficacy, safety, and monitoring challenges. For those seeking genuine bone strengthening, relying on established methods like proper nutrition, exercise, and proven medical therapies remains the safest and most effective path.

For more information on bone metabolism and the mechanisms by which strontium affects bone, see this review article from the NIH: A review of the latest insights into the mechanism of action of strontium ranelate in bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

The safety and effectiveness of strontium depend on its form. The prescription drug strontium ranelate, while effective at reducing fractures, was restricted due to serious side effects. Over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements lack sufficient evidence for efficacy and long-term safety.

Strontium has a higher atomic weight than calcium. When incorporated into bone, it causes Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans to overestimate true bone mineral density (BMD), creating a misleadingly high result.

There is no strong, reliable evidence to confirm that over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements effectively increase bone strength or reduce fracture risk. The perceived improvements on DEXA scans are often an artificial inflation of the reading.

Strontium ranelate has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, and certain neurological issues. For these reasons, its use is heavily restricted or discontinued in many countries.

While the dual action of strontium ions can promote bone growth, some critics speculate that it may alter bone quality by reducing tensile strength, making the bones more brittle despite appearing denser on a DEXA scan. High doses could also interfere with calcium absorption.

If you have been taking strontium supplements, you should inform your doctor. They can account for the potential overestimation on your DEXA scan. To get a true baseline, you would need to discontinue the supplement and be rescanned after a period of time.

You should consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your options. They can help you determine the best course of action, which may include transitioning to evidence-based osteoporosis treatments or focusing on foundational bone health strategies.