strontium

Strontium is a **trace element and alkaline earth metal** with chemical properties closely resembling calcium. It naturally occurs in the environment and can be found in food, drinking water, and the human body. **Strontium (in its non-radioactive forms)** has been considered mainly as a dietary supplement (usually as strontium citrate or strontium chloride) and also forms the active part of some pharmaceuticals, most notably strontium ranelate, for the treatment of osteoporosis. Its proposed mechanisms in bone health involve incorporation into bone matrix in place of calcium, enhancement of bone formation (through stimulation of osteoblast activity and possibly the calcium-sensing receptor), and reduction of bone resorption (through inhibition of osteoclast activity)[1][3][5][6][7]. Radioactive isotopes of strontium, particularly **strontium-89 chloride**, are used in nuclear medicine as radiopharmaceuticals for the palliation of pain in patients with metastatic bone cancer. Nonradioactive strontium is available in supplements, but their safety and efficacy are uncertain and not generally supported by strong regulatory approval; in contrast, strontium ranelate, a salt of strontium, has been an approved pharmaceutical in certain regions for severe osteoporosis, but not in the United States[2][3][6][7]. Other uses proposed for strontium include the prevention of dental cavities (topical/oral strontium toothpaste/compounds) and possible benefit in osteoarthritis and bone pain.

Other names

strontiumstable strontiumelemental strontiumstrontium salt (non-specific)Sr