NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2024

Strontium Ranelate

JOINT BONE · Evidence Monograph

Strontium Ranelate is an evidence-graded joint bone monograph evaluated across 21 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (2 meta-analyses, 5 systematic reviews, and 0 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 5,115 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 21 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 2 Meta · 5 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 0 RCTs (2 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 5,115
Reported Trial Dosages 10 mg · 38 µg · 54 µg
Trial Duration Range 12 months · 3 months
Reading Time ~11 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 21 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (10 mg · 38 µg · 54 µg) over a structured 12 months evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
With Breakfast or Lunch
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary joint bone clinical efficacy (21 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (9 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (0 RCTs · 2 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (2 meta-analyses · 5 reviews)
01

What Is Strontium Ranelate & Why Does Form Matter?

Strontium Ranelate is classified under JOINT BONE and has been investigated across 21 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (10 mg, 38 µg, 54 µg).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Strontium Ranelate frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (0 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Strontium Ranelate acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Strontium Ranelate an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 21 PubMed studies: 2 meta-analyses, 5 systematic reviews, and 0 randomized controlled trials (2 double-blind, n = 5,115 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:28587937 (2017) — "Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of strontium ranelate on the zymosan-induced temporomandibular joint inflammatory hypernociception in rats depend on TNF-α inhibition." (CONCLUSION: Strontium ranelate may achieve its antinociceptive effects through the reduction of TNF-α levels in the trigeminal ganglion, but not suppressing IL-1β expression nor inducing the HO-1 pathway.) • PMID:22806642 (2012) — "Osteoporosis and polypharmacy." (However, patients with a polypharmacy are at a higher risk of fractures and should receive osteoporosis treatment, if indicated.) • PMID:21637997 (2011) — "Adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions in the management of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis." (Osteoporosis treatments are generally safe and well tolerated, though they are associated with a few very rare serious adverse reactions.)

05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 10 mg · 38 µg · 54 µg · 60 µg over 12 months · 3 months. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Strontium Ranelate, but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (10 mg · 38 µg · 54 µg) and re-evaluate efficacy after 12 months.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (21 Studies) · 9 Quantitative Analyses

01
CLINICAL STUDY Pharmacological reports (2017) PMID: 28587937 ↗
Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of strontium ranelate on the zymosan-induced temporomandibular joint inflammatory hypernociception in rats depend on TNF-α inhibition.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2017 Clinical Study published in Pharmacological reports. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Strontium ranelate may achieve its antinociceptive effects through the reduction of TNF-α levels in the trigeminal ganglion, but not suppressing IL-1β expression nor inducing the HO-1 pathway.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders show inflammatory components, heavily impacting on quality of life. Strontium ranelate has previously shown anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects on other experimental inflammatory pain models. Thus, we aim to investigate the strontium ranelate efficacy in reducing the zymosan-induced inflammatory hypernociception in the TMJ of rats by evaluating the TNF-α, IL-1β, and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) involvement. METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with strontium ranelate (0.5, 5 or 50 mg/kg, per os) 1 h before zymosan injection (iart). Mechanical threshold was assessed by Von Frey test and synovial lavage was collected for leukocyte counting and myeloperoxidase measurement, joint tissue and trigeminal ganglion were excised for histopathological analysis (H&E) and TNF-α/IL-1β levels dosage (ELISA). Moreover, rats were pre-treated with ZnPP-IX (3 mg/kg, sc), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, before strontium ranelate administration (0.5 mg/kg, per os), and Evans Blue (5 mg/kg, iv) was administered to assess plasma extravasation. Pre-treatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, sc) was used as positive control while the sham group received 0.9% sterile saline (per os and iart). RESULTS: Strontium ranelate did not reduce leukocyte counting, myeloperoxidase activity, Evans Blue extravasation, IL-1β levels, and TNF-α/IL-1β immunolabeling; but it increased the nociceptive threshold and reduced TNF-α levels. Additionally, HO-1 inhibition did not change the strontium ranelate effects. CONCLUSION: Strontium ranelate may achieve its antinociceptive effects through the reduction of TNF-α levels in the trigeminal ganglion, but not suppressing IL-1β expression nor inducing the HO-1 pathway.

02
CLINICAL STUDY Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie (2012) PMID: 22806642 ↗
Osteoporosis and polypharmacy.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Clinical Study published in Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie. Key conclusion: However, patients with a polypharmacy are at a higher risk of fractures and should receive osteoporosis treatment, if indicated.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Osteoporosis is very common in elderly patients. Despite the severe health-related consequences for individual patients and the socioeconomic costs caused by osteoporotic fractures, treatment rates are still low. Due to drug interactions and patient compliance, polypharmacy is often mentioned as a reason for undertreatment. Several drugs have a direct or indirect effect on bone metabolism. The present paper discusses the risk of interactions of anti-osteoporotic drugs (oral and parenteral bisphosphonates, raloxifene, strontium ranelate, teriparatide, and denosumab) with other common medications in elderly patients and their impact on bone metabolism and fracture risk. In summary, the number and risk of drug interactions of all common anti-osteoporotic drugs are small and clinically rather irrelevant. However, patients with a polypharmacy are at a higher risk of fractures and should receive osteoporosis treatment, if indicated.

03
CLINICAL STUDY Calcified tissue international (2011) PMID: 21637997 ↗
Adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions in the management of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2011 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Calcified tissue international. Key conclusion: Osteoporosis treatments are generally safe and well tolerated, though they are associated with a few very rare serious adverse reactions.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

The pharmacological management of disease should involve consideration of the balance between the beneficial effects of treatment on outcome and the probability of adverse effects. The aim of this review is to explore the risk of adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions with treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis. We reviewed evidence for adverse reactions from regulatory documents, randomized controlled trials, pharmacovigilance surveys, and case series. Bisphosphonates are associated with gastrointestinal effects, musculoskeletal pain, and acute-phase reactions, as well as, very rarely, atrial fibrillation, atypical fracture, delayed fracture healing, osteonecrosis of the jaw, hypersensitivity reactions, and renal impairment. Cutaneous effects and osteonecrosis of the jaw are of concern for denosumab (both very rare), though there are no pharmacovigilance data for this agent yet. The selective estrogen receptor modulators are associated with hot flushes, leg cramps, and, very rarely, venous thromboembolism and stroke. Strontium ranelate has been linked to hypersensitivity reactions and venous thromboembolism (both very rare) and teriparatide with headache, nausea, dizziness, and limb pain. The solidity of the evidence base depends on the frequency of the reaction, and causality is not always easy to establish for the very rare adverse reactions. Drug-drug interactions are rare. Osteoporosis treatments are generally safe and well tolerated, though they are associated with a few very rare serious adverse reactions. While these are a cause for concern, the risk should be weighed against the benefits of treatment itself, i.e., the prevention of osteoporotic fracture.

04
CLINICAL STUDY Cardiology journal (2010) PMID: 20690088 ↗
Safety of pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis in cardiology patients.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2010 Clinical Study published in Cardiology journal. Key conclusion: Lastly, the possible advantages of selected drugs used for cardiovascular diseases in terms of osteoporosis prevention are evaluated.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

The commonest medical conditions following menopause are osteoporosis and atherosclerotic disease. This review considers the safety of pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis in cardiology patients. Drugs used for osteoporosis treatment may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This article has detailed analysed of current drug classes, such as the bisphosphonates and strontium ranelate, as well as reviewed of the controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Additionally, we discuss the adverse effects on the heart of calcium and drugs influencing calcium metabolism such as vitamin D, parathormone and calcitonin. We look at the interference between osteoporosis treatment and the drugs used for atherosclerosis. Moreover, the side effects on bones of cardiology drugs are analysed. Lastly, the possible advantages of selected drugs used for cardiovascular diseases in terms of osteoporosis prevention are evaluated.

05
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of bone and mineral research (2009) PMID: 19558313 ↗
Could strontium ranelate have a synergistic role in the treatment of osteoporosis?
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2009 Clinical Study published in Journal of bone and mineral research.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Comment on J Bone Miner Res. 2009 Aug;24(8):1358-68. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.090315.

06
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions (2007) PMID: 17627088 ↗
Combined therapies in osteoporosis: bisphosphonates and vitamin D-hormone analogs.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2007 Clinical Study published in Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions. Key conclusion: Based on the possible reduction of periodic safety checks of calcemia, an improved compliance could then be expected, which would, in turn, generate a better end result.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

During the last two decades, the development of new, highly effective therapeutics (e.g. bisphosphonates, SERMs, strontium ranelate and PTH) has significantly extended the spectrum of osteoporosis therapy. However, the interest of combining bone-active agents and/or Vitamin D and calcium is still being debated, and is restricted to a very marginal set of compounds (Alendronate and native Vitamin D). On the other hand, Vitamin D-hormone analogs, calcitriol, and alfacalcidol, have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness in being valuable alternatives compared to native Vitamin D in this setting. A growing amount of data documents the pre-clinical and clinical efficacies of combinations of bisphosphonates with calcitriol, or with alfacalcidol in primary and secondary osteoporosis. This exhaustive review of the available animal and clinical data aimed at comparing the theoretical with demonstrated absolute and relative benefits of those therapeutic approaches. Most of the pre-clinical and clinical data in PMOP suggest significant, clinical improvements in response to combination therapies versus monotherapies in postmenopausal osteoporosis. As a investigated by most of the currently available trials, a daily dose of alendronate 10 mg or a weekly dose of Alendronate 70 m plus alfacalcidol 0.5-1.0 microg daily plus alfacalcidol 0.5 microg seems to surpass other combinations when BMD and bone metabolism markers are considered. A synergy with bisphosphonates in reducing the fracture episodes may lie in the pleiotropic effects of D-hormone analogs on musculoskeletal, immunological and neurological systems. Negative interactions between both drugs have not yet been reported, while a reduction of hypercalcuria episodes has been noted in combination therapies, as compared to monotherapies involving high doses of Vitamin D, calcitriol, or alfacalcidol. Based on the possible reduction of periodic safety checks of calcemia, an improved compliance could then be expected, which would, in turn, generate a better end result. However, to document this, long-term, high quality comparative studies with factorial designs are needed to determine which role this alternative should p

07
CLINICAL STUDY Clinical calcium (2006) PMID: 16951472 ↗
[Anabolic treatment for osteoporosis: PTH treatment].
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2006 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Clinical calcium. Key conclusion: On the other hand, strontium ranelate significantly inhibited osteoporotic fractures in randomized placebo controlled trial, which is expected as a new bone anabolic reagent for osteoporosis.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

There are several lines of evidence about the effectiveness of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a bone anabolic reagent for the treatment of osteoporosis, and the large-scale randomized controlled trial revealed that PTH increases and reduces lumbar spine bone mineral density and fracture risk, respectively, more potently than other inhibitors for bone resorption. Moreover, alendronate was useful for the further increase in bone mineral density after the withdrawal of PTH treatment, and the combined treatment of PTH and raloxifene was additive. On the other hand, strontium ranelate significantly inhibited osteoporotic fractures in randomized placebo controlled trial, which is expected as a new bone anabolic reagent for osteoporosis.

08
CLINICAL STUDY Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems (2019) PMID: 29676197 ↗
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of two strontium ranelate formulations after single oral administration in healthy Chinese subjects.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2019 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems involving n = 36 participants. Key conclusion: Two formulations were bioequivalent, and both were generally well tolerated.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Pharmacokinetics of exogenous strontium (Sr) and bioequivalence of a new oral formulation of strontium ranelate compared with the brand-name drug in healthy Chinese subjects was evaluated. A balanced, randomized, single-dose, two-treatment parallel study was conducted in 36 healthy Chinese subjects. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups of 18 to receive a single oral dose of test formulation and reference formulation under a fasting state, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 19 designated time points up to 240-h post-dose. Serum concentrations of Sr were quantified by ICP-MS. A total of 36 subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Nine mild adverse events in 6 subjects were reported. The Cmax, AUC0-72 h, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of test and reference formulations shown as mean ± SD were 6.97 ± 1.78 and 6.78 ± 1.80 µg/mL, 199 ± 51 and 187 ± 38 µg·h/mL, 303 ± 89 and 278 ± 54 µg·h/mL, and 337 ± 109 and 305 ± 60 µg·h/mL, respectively. Two formulations were bioequivalent, and both were generally well tolerated.

09
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology (2015) PMID: 25023847 ↗
Quantification of strontium in human serum by ICP-MS using alternate analyte-free matrix and its application to a pilot bioequivalence study of two strontium ranelate oral formulations in healthy Chinese subjects.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2015 Clinical Study published in Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology. Key conclusion: The method allowed a high sample throughput, and was sensitive and accurate enough for a pilot bioequivalence study in healthy male Chinese subjects following single oral administration of two strontium ranelate formulations containing 2g strontium ranelate.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

A rapid, sensitive and accurate ICP-MS method using alternate analyte-free matrix for calibration standards preparation and a rapid direct dilution procedure for sample preparation was developed and validated for the quantification of exogenous strontium (Sr) from the drug in human serum. Serum was prepared by direct dilution (1:29, v/v) in an acidic solution consisting of nitric acid (0.1%) and germanium (Ge) added as internal standard (IS), to obtain simple and high-throughput preparation procedure with minimized matrix effect, and good repeatability. ICP-MS analysis was performed using collision cell technology (CCT) mode. Alternate matrix method by using distilled water as an alternate analyte-free matrix for the preparation of calibration standards (CS) was used to avoid the influence of endogenous Sr in serum on the quantification. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, carry-over, matrix effects, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), linearity, precision and accuracy, and stability. Instrumental linearity was verified in the range of 1.00-500ng/mL, corresponding to a concentration range of 0.0300-15.0μg/mL in 50μL sample of serum matrix and alternate matrix. Intra- and inter-day precision as relative standard deviation (RSD) were less than 8.0% and accuracy as relative error (RE) was within ±3.0%. The method allowed a high sample throughput, and was sensitive and accurate enough for a pilot bioequivalence study in healthy male Chinese subjects following single oral administration of two strontium ranelate formulations containing 2g strontium ranelate.

10
CLINICAL STUDY Bone (2009) PMID: 19464401 ↗
Efficacy and safety of 2 g/day of strontium ranelate in Asian women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2009 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Bone involving n = 302 participants. Key conclusion: It is thus concluded that the effects of 2 g/day strontium ranelate on BMD and its safety profile in this cohort of postmenopausal osteoporotic Asian women were consistent with results obtained from Caucasian women in which the efficacy on the reduction in risk of fracture has be
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Strontium ranelate is a new effective anti-osteoporotic treatment having a unique mode of action, reducing bone resorption while promoting continued bone formation, with a broad range of anti-fracture efficacy at vertebral as well as peripheral sites. In Phase III studies, it has proven its early and sustained efficacy against vertebral fractures in Caucasians along with a significant increase in lumbar bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this randomized double-blind study was to demonstrate the efficacy of strontium ranelate (2 g/day) on lumbar spine bone mineral density and the clinical and biological safety in Asian postmenopausal osteoporotic patients compared to placebo over 1 year. Three hundred and twenty-nine eligible women from mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia were randomized into the study. The baseline characteristics were similar in the treatment and placebo groups: mean age of 66.2+/-6.5 years, time since menopause 17.6+/-7.2 years. In the Full Analysis Set (FAS, N=302), the mean baseline lumbar L2-L4 BMD was 0.715+/-0.106 g/cm(2) in the strontium ranelate group and 0.708 +/- 0.109 g/cm2 in the placebo group. The mean baseline femoral neck BMD was 0.575+/-0.074 g/cm2 and 0.566+/-0.069 g/cm2 respectively and mean total hip BMD was 0.642+/-0.080 g/cm2 and 0.631 +/-0.088 g/cm2 respectively. The overall compliance was 91.4% in the study drug group, and 97.4% in the placebo group. After 1 year of treatment, the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip BMD in the treated group was significantly increased by 3-5% as compared to placebo. Strontium ranelate was well tolerated. The most frequently reported emergent adverse events were comparable in both groups (60.4% versus 60.0%), with majority of them being mild gastrointestinal disorders. There were no clinically relevant changes in laboratory tests, such as blood routine, hepatic and renal function. It is thus concluded that the effects of 2 g/day strontium ranelate on BMD and its safety profile in this cohort of postmenopausal osteoporotic Asian women were consistent with results obtained from Caucasian women in which the efficacy on the reduction in risk of fracture has been proven.

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