The usual one
Strontium citrate
The common supplement form, but far less studied than the prescription form.
Good for: Strong bones
What variations of strontium exist?
A trace mineral similar to calcium that settles into bone. Strontium citrate is sold for bone health, but it has much less research than prescription bone medicines. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The usual one
Strontium citrate
The common supplement form, but far less studied than the prescription form.
Good for: Strong bones
The other salts
Strontium carbonate, chloride, or gluconate
Other forms in some products. Also little studied.
Usually skip
- The prescription drug (Strontium ranelate)A prescription drug in some countries, not a supplement, and not sold in the US. Now limited because of heart attack and blood clot risks.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Strontium citrate' on the label (the usual one)
Watch out for
- Mixed with calcium in the same capsule, which means you absorb less strontium
- Sold as a swap for prescription bone medicine
Check with your provider first if…
- It makes bone density (DXA) scans look better than your bones really are. Tell whoever orders or reads your scan that you take it.
- You've had blood clots, a heart attack, a stroke, or high blood pressure that isn't controlled. The prescription form raised these risks.
- You have kidney disease. Your kidneys clear strontium.
- You take calcium, antacids, certain antibiotics (such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin), or a bone-loss medicine like alendronate. Take them at different times.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding, or it's for a child or teen whose bones are still growing
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.