What is the best way to take strontium?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

Strontium and calcium compete for absorption in the body, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your supplement if taken incorrectly. Knowing what is the best way to take strontium is therefore key for supporting bone health.

Quick Summary

Optimal strontium absorption requires taking it on an empty stomach, separating it from calcium, and using the strontium citrate form rather than strontium ranelate.

Key Points

Avoid Calcium Concurrently: Separate strontium citrate and calcium/dairy intake by at least 2-4 hours for better absorption.
Empty Stomach is Key: Take strontium on an empty stomach, often recommended before bed, for optimal bioavailability.
Select Strontium Citrate: Use the OTC supplement form; the prescription drug strontium ranelate has associated risks.
Check for Medication Interactions: Be aware of interactions with certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and quinolones) and antacids; take strontium at least 2 hours apart.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss strontium use with a doctor, especially if you have kidney/heart conditions or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Support with Vitamin D3: Adequate vitamin D3 is beneficial for overall bone health and may complement strontium's effects.

Timing for Maximum Absorption

Strontium and calcium compete for the same absorption pathways. Taking them at the same time reduces strontium absorption. To maximize absorption, strontium should be taken when calcium levels in the digestive system are low.

The Importance of an Empty Stomach

Taking strontium on an empty stomach improves its bioavailability. It's advised to take it at least two to three hours after eating. Taking it before bed is a common approach for effective overnight absorption.

Understanding Strontium Forms: Citrate vs. Ranelate

It is important to distinguish between over-the-counter strontium citrate supplements and the prescription drug strontium ranelate, which has been associated with safety concerns.

Strontium Citrate: The common supplement form, generally considered safe at recommended uses when used appropriately.
Strontium Ranelate: A prescription medication linked to potential risks like cardiovascular problems and blood clots. Its availability and use are now limited in many areas.

Choosing the Right Form

Strontium citrate is the accessible and generally safe option for those looking to supplement. Consultation with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement is recommended.

Avoiding Interactions

Several substances can interfere with strontium absorption.

Calcium and Dairy: A gap of at least 2 to 4 hours between strontium and calcium or dairy intake is essential. Taking calcium earlier and strontium later in the day, like before bed, can help manage this.
Antibiotics: Strontium can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics, including quinolones and tetracyclines. It should be taken at least 2 hours apart from these medications.
Antacids: Antacids, particularly those containing calcium, can hinder strontium absorption. Maintain a two-hour separation.
Other Minerals: Magnesium and zinc may also compete for absorption; staggering these supplements is often advised.

Comparison: Strontium Citrate vs. Strontium Ranelate


Feature	Strontium Citrate (OTC Supplement)	Strontium Ranelate (Prescription Drug)
Form	Mineral salt	Synthetic compound with ranelic acid
Availability	Widely available	Restricted/discontinued
Risks	Minimal at appropriate uses	Higher risk (cardiovascular, blood clots)
Primary Function	Bone support via strontium ion	Ranelic acid poses added risk
Recommended Use	Supplementation for bone health	Generally not recommended due to risks

Steps for Optimal Intake

To get the most from strontium supplementation:

Choose Strontium Citrate: Opt for the supplement form.
Take on Empty Stomach: Consume 2-3 hours after food.
Consider an Evening Dose: Taking before bed can be effective.
Avoid Concurrent Calcium: Maintain a 2-4 hour gap from calcium/dairy.
Ensure Vitamin D3 Intake: Adequate Vitamin D3 is important for bone health.
Review Medications: Check for interactions with antibiotics and antacids.

Conclusion

Optimizing strontium intake involves strategic timing and managing its interaction with calcium. Using strontium citrate on an empty stomach, ideally before bed, helps maximize absorption. It's crucial to maintain a significant time separation from calcium intake and to consult a doctor, particularly if you have existing health conditions. These strategies can help support bone health benefits. {Link: Examine.com https://examine.com/supplements/strontium/} offers a detailed overview of strontium and bone health.

Important Considerations

Certain individuals should exercise caution with strontium citrate:

Kidney Conditions: Those with chronic kidney disease need medical supervision due to strontium's kidney excretion and potential for accumulation.
Cardiovascular Issues: Individuals with a history of heart or circulatory problems should be cautious, mindful of past concerns with the ranelate form.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Safety data is limited for these groups, and use is not established.

Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking strontium before bed on an empty stomach, at least two to four hours after your last meal or calcium supplement, is often recommended.

No, it's best not to take them together as they compete for absorption. Separate strontium and calcium intake by at least 2-4 hours to maximize strontium absorption.

No. Strontium citrate is an over-the-counter supplement, while strontium ranelate was a prescription drug associated with serious risks and is now restricted or discontinued.

Taking strontium with food, particularly dairy or calcium-rich meals, will reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

Determining the right amount of strontium to take should be done in consultation with a healthcare provider who can provide guidance based on individual needs and health status.

Yes, it can interfere with certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and antacids. Take strontium at least 2 hours apart from these.

If you have kidney disease, you should use strontium cautiously and under medical supervision because the kidneys eliminate it and it could accumulate.