Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Terry, “I have heard that strontium (natural from health food stores) is supposed to increase bone density for osteoporosis. While strontium may thicken the bone, is the bone more likely to break because it lacks strength? I cannot take pharmaceuticals and was hoping this could be an alternative. Do you know anything about this?” — Deborah M., Columbia, SC

A. Dear Deborah, I do not agree that strontium only “thickens” bone. Strontium is extremely effective for anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum M.D., a board certified internist and Medical Director of the National Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers of America, considers strontium the number one trace mineral for bone health.

Strontium is a component of bones, and occurs naturally in the body. Studies using strontium in the treatment of osteoporosis showed significant improvements in bone mineral density (BMD). In fact, a recent study published in Rheumatology International in 2010 actually compared the effects of strontium to a well-known osteoporosis drug called alendronate (brand name Fosamax). In this study of women with osteoporosis, strontium was much more effective than the drug for increasing bone thickness and density—all without serious adverse effects.

I recommend 680 mg of elemental strontium daily. Look for a formula that contains strontium citrate, a very absorbable form of strontium. Keep in mind that strontium is best taken on its own because it can interfere with the absorption of calcium. I would suggest taking strontium in the morning and other bone building minerals later in the day and at bedtime.

In addition to strontium, I would also suggest adding a good quality bone building formula that includes calcium, magnesium and vitamin D3, as well as boron, vitamins K1 and K2, copper, zinc, manganese, and other key ingredients.

You may also want to consider adding organic silica from horsetail to your regimen. It may surprise you to know this, but silica – not calcium – is the top osteoporosis supplement in Europe. Silica tends to be poorly absorbed, so please look for a product that contains organic silica and bioflavonoids, blended with marine lipids. This form of silica is clinically studied, extremely soluble, and virtually 100% bioavailable for the body. I would recommend taking 10-20 mg of silica per day.

Using a high-quality bone formula, strontium, and organic silica is an extremely therapeutic regimen to get your bones back on track. And don’t forget weight-bearing exercise—you have to work your bones, just like you have to work your muscles, if you want them to get bigger and stronger! Last, but certainly not least, is diet. My diet as it’s described on my website at www.TerryTalksNutrition.com is a bone building diet because it avoids carbohydrates, sugar, soft drinks and any so called junk food.

I strongly encourage you to discuss the use of dietary supplementation to address these concerns with your physician. He or she may have additional input as you put together a supplement regimen to improve bone density.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally