The Benefits of Strontium

Strontium was first discovered in 1790 within ore around the Scottish town of Strontian. Natural dietary intake of strontium comes from low amounts in most foods; however, plants, dairy and seawater have more significant amounts.

Strontium is an element directly under calcium on the periodic table of elements and has similar chemical and biological characteristics to that of calcium. Since strontium is chemically and physically related to calcium, it is similar to calcium with its natural bone-seeking attribute.¹

Strontium concentrates in the skeletal system,¹ where it supports the function of the cells that form new bone (osteoblasts)^7,1. It also reduces the activity of the cells that resorb old bone (osteoclasts).^7,1 This makes strontium a newly recognized mineral with positive scientific evidence for bone health.^2,6

Osteoporosis is a bone ailment in which bone loss occurs, mainly in older women. Studies have shown that taking supplemental strontium has lead to a decrease in bone fractures and an increase in bone mineral density for osteoporotic women.

In a recent 2 year study, women with osteoporosis, who took supplemental strontium, experienced an increase in bone mass density, of 14.4%, in the spine after 3 years, and 41% reduction in vertebral fractures after 3 yrs.³ Supplemental strontium has also shown improvements in fractures of non-vertebral areas of osteoporotic women. For major non-vertebral fractures, supplemental strontium was associated with a 19% reduction in a normal risk fracture group, and 36%
reduction in a high-risk fracture group.⁶ In non-osteoporotic women, bone mass increased from 0.66% to 2.4% after 2 yrs of supplementing diet with strontium daily.⁵

Supplemental strontium has been found to have potential in increasing bone mass in both osteopenic study recipients and normal study recipients.¹ Daily supplemental strontium also has evidence of benefits with bone ailments other that osteoporosis. Supplementing daily diets with strontium has shown improvements in new mineral deposits at areas of bone that had been eroded by cancer, lengthening the life of the bone.⁷

Studies have also shown that strontium is associated with protecting teeth from bacterial acids, which, in turn, causes a reduced incidence of cavities.¹  Supplemental strontium may also improve cartilage growth in osteoarthritis. Preliminary studies have shown that daily supplements of strontium strongly stimulate human cartilage matrix formation.⁴

Strontium seems to be well tolerated by the human body. The adverse side effects from the recipients supplementing with strontium have been similar to the side effects of the recipients in the control groups.⁶ The studies used many forms of strontium, including strontium chloride, strontium carbonate, strontium lactate, strontium citrate, strontium gluconate, and strontium ranelate, usually taken with supplements of calcium and vitamin D3. It was found that strontium gluconate is absorbed more efficiently than strontium carbonate.⁷

The amount or dosage of strontium consumed is equally important. 2g of strontium per day was considered to offer the best combination of efficacy and safety as a nutritional supplement to the average daily intake from diet.² Taking strontium with calcium appears to impair the absorption of strontium. It is suggested to take
strontium on an empty stomach and 4 hrs away from taking any other calcium or multivitamins that contains calcium.

References

1. Marie PJ, Ammann P, Bolvin G, Rey C. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of strontium in bone, Calcified Tissue International 2001 August; 69:121-129.
2. Meunier PJ, Slosman DO, Delmas PD, Sebert JL, Brandi ML, Albanese C, Lorenc R, Pors Nielsen S, DeVernejoul MC, Roces A, Reginster JY. Strontium Renalate: dose-dependant effects in established postmenopausal bertebral osteoporosis-A 2-year randomized placebo controlled trial. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, May 2002, 87(5): 2060-2066.
3. Meunier PJ, Roux C, Seeman E, Ortolani S, Badurski JE, Spector TD, Cannata J, Balogh A, Lemmel EM, Pors-Nielsen S, Rizzoli R, Genant HK, Reginster JY. The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, New England Journal of Medicine, 2004, Jan29; 350(5): 459-468.
4. Henrotin Y, Labasse A, Zheng SX, Galais P, Tsouderos Y, Crielaard JM, Reginster JY, Strontium ranelate increases cartilage matrix formation. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 2001, Feb; 16(2): 299-308.
5. Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Dougados M, Juspsin I, Colette, Roux C. Prevention of early postmenopausal bone loss by strontium ranelate: The randomized, two-year, double-masked, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled PREVOS trial. Osteoporosis International, 2002, Dec;13(12):925-931.
6. Reginster JY, Seeman E, DeVernejoul MC, Adami S, Compston J, Phenekos C, Devogelaer JP, Diaz Curiel M, Sawicki A, Goemaere S, Sorenson OH, Felsenberg D, Meunier PJ. Strontium ranelate reduces the risk of non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporsis: Treatment of peripheral osteoporosis (TROPOS) study, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2005, 90(5): 2816-2822.
7. Skoryna SC. Effects of oral supplementation with stable strontium. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1981, Oct 1; 125(7): 703-712

Overview of L-Selenomethionine

Introduction

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to humans and almost all other animals. Named for the Greek goddess of the moon, selenium was first discovered by J.J. Berzelius in 1817. The mineral was found as red deposits in the production of sulfur.

Similar in chemical and physical characteristics, selenium is found directly beneath sulfur on the periodic table of the elements. Selenium exists at various levels in soils throughout the world. It can be found in whole grains, legumes, meats and seafood. Selenium concentration in these foods is dependant on the selenium in
the soil for plant sources or the selenium in the diet for animal sources.

The nutritional importance of selenium was recognized in the late 1950’s, as a study showed liver disease in rats caused by diets with no selenium. Subsequent studies began to illuminate many different diseases in animals with low selenium intakes. In 1973, J. Rotruck discovered a selenium containing protein known as glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase is named for the enzymatic action of this protein.

This enzyme eliminates potential harmful hydrogen peroxide that is produced as a normal product of cell metabolism. There are four available glutathione peroxidases. All four are dependant on the supply of selenium. They have super antioxidant properties and operate in various tissues in the body. In all, there are 25 different human selenium containing enzymes and proteins.

Much attention is given to the chemopreventive properties of selenium. The first human evidence of the cancer prevention properties of selenium came from the NIH funded Clark et al study released in 1996. The study was designed to test the prevention of skin cancer through selenium supplementation.

The study actually showed a decrease in the incidence of prostate, lung and colorectal cancer of about 50%. The intriguing results of this study are being further studied in the NIH sponsored Select Trial (http://cancer.gov/select). Other areas of current study include the possible benefits of selenium supplementation on heart disease, arthritis, HIV and viral immunity enhancement.

L-Selenomethionine:

The selenium found in cereal grains like wheat, is almost all L-selenomethionine. Methionine is a sulfur containing amino acid essential for humans and animals. It is necessary for the synthesis of body proteins. Plants make L-selenomethionine from selenium in the soil. Animals consume their selenium from their food sources. If there is sufficient L-selenomethionine in an animal’s diet, it is incorporated into muscle proteins. Approximately 90% of selenium, in the human diet, is in the form
of L-selenomethionine.

L-selenomethionine has been shown to be more bioavailable than inorganic forms of selenium such as sodium selenite. Due to its inclusion in body proteins, L-selenomethionine is retained in the body for longer periods of time than inorganic selenium. This implies that the selenium in L-selenomethionine is efficiently absorbed, utilized and reutilized in the body.

Kelatron Corporation is proud to offer two L-selenomethionine products as part of the BioMintm product line. L-selenomethionine is available as a pure compound (40% Se) or as a trituration on dicalcium phosphate (0.5% Se). Please contact your customer service representative for product specifications and pricing.
 

________

Deagan JT, Butler JA, Beilstein MA, et al. Effects of dietary selenite, SeCys and selenomethionine on selenocysteine lyase and glutathione peroxidase activities and on selenium levels in rat tissues. J Nutr. 1987;117:91-98
Swanson CA, Patterson BH, Levander OA, et al. Human (74Se)selenomethionine metabolism: a kinetic model. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;54:917-926
3Ibid

Zinc is an essential trace element for microorganisms, plants and animals. For humans, sufficient zinc is needed to maintain heath. Zinc plays a role in a large number of enzymes involved in most major metabolic pathways.

The various biological functions of zinc can be categorized into three categories: catalytic, structural and regulatory. The most abundant intracellular trace element, greater than 95% of the body’s zinc is intracellular. This zinc is widely distributed throughout the body and is involved in basic bodily functions.

Zinc balance in the body is regulated through controlled absorption and excretion. Lower zinc intake is compensated by more efficient absorption and reduced excretion. Higher zinc intake results in higher zinc losses. Low zinc intake in growing individuals results in the conservation of zinc through reduction or cessation of the growth.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency symptoms include retarded growth, loss of appetite, impaired immune function, and skin changes. Low zinc status during pregnancy has been shown to lead to possible developmental disorders in animal studies. In humans, low zinc during pregnancy can result in low birth weight or preterm delivery.

The results of marginal zinc deficiency have mostly been defined by responses to zinc supplementation. The various responses to zinc supplementation in different populations are addressed later.

Sources of Zinc

Zinc can be found in many food sources. Meat, seafood and liver are good sources of zinc. It has been estimated that about 70% of dietary zinc consumed in the United States is provided by animal products. Plant food sources of zinc consist primarily of cereal grains.

These cereal sources of zinc have lower zinc bioavailability than meat sources due to zinc absorption inhibitors found in many of these items. Processing of cereal products may reduce the zinc content. Vegetarian diets, especially those based on cereals and legumes have the potential to be zinc deficient.

Zinc and Health

Because of the large role played by zinc in bodily functions, many benefits of zinc supplementation have been demonstrated. The following touches on a few of these findings.

Children’s Health

Supplemental zinc has been found to significantly reduce infant mortality in small for gestational age infants.

In developing countries, zinc supplementation of children substantially reduced diarrhea and pneumonia, two of the leading causes of death in this population. Zinc supplementation has also been shown to significantly improve children’s growth.

Women’s Health

For women, zinc supplementation has been shown to correct infertility. This may be due to the disruption of the normal menstrual cycle resulting from zinc deficiency. Another study demonstrated the positive effect of zinc supplementation in conjunction with iron supplementation in increasing red blood cells treating prenatal anemia.

General Health

There has been much publicity surrounding the effect of zinc lozenges on the duration of colds. Doubleblind trials have demonstrated a decrease in the length and intensity of cold symptoms with the use of zinc lozenges.

In addition, zinc lozenges were also shown to relieve allergy symptoms. Zinc appears to have a pivotal role in the immune system. Studies have shown reduction in infectious episodes with proper zinc supplementation.

These results have been demonstrated in various congenital and acquired diseases including Down’s syndrome, malnutrition, acrodermatitis, enteropathica, congenital herpes, leprosy, malaria, chronic diarrhea, acute lower respiratory infection, and burns.

Zinc is required for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, important in protection from free radicals. Proper zinc nutrition has also been linked with the prevention of macular degeneration.

Bioavailability

Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine. The greatest absorption is in the jejunum. Limited data are available from human studies on the relative bioavailability of various zinc compounds. Studies have shown that more soluble forms of zinc are better absorbed, especially in individuals with reduced stomach acid.

Phytic acid, found in grains and legumes, is a strong inhibitor of zinc absorption. The phytic acid binds the zinc in the gut and significantly reduces zinc absorption. Calcium increases the zinc absorption inhibition by phytic acid.

Individuals who supplement diets with calcium may induce some marginal zinc deficiency. Other potential dietary zinc absorption inhibitors include fiber, oxalate and polyphenols.

Some limited human studies have shown some protection from this inhibitory effect using amino acids to complex with the zinc. Animal studies have shown large increases in zinc bioavailability with the use of amino acids to complex the zinc.

Toxicity

Acute zinc toxicity has been observed after the ingestion of 2 grams or more of zinc as zinc sulfate. The toxicity results in gastric distress and vomiting. Of potentially more practical concern is the impairment of copper status with excess zinc intake. Impaired copper status can result in a variety of adverse health conditions.

As a result, the Food and Nutrition Board does not recommend long-term ingestion of supplements exceeding 15 mg/day of zinc without proper medical supervision.

Conclusions

Zinc plays a critical role in human health. It is involved in a large number of biological functions. Improving zinc status can have a tremendous positive effect on human health as demonstrated in various studies.

The body is efficient at maintaining zinc status, but diets that are low in zinc or high in zinc absorption inhibitors may cause zinc deficiency. Plant based diets have a higher probability of resulting in zinc deficiency. Phytic acid is a potent zinc absorption inhibitor.

Zinc supplementation should focus on forms of zinc with high bioavailability. Soluble forms of zinc that may protect from dietary absorption inhibitors are especially promising.

Kelatron’s Zinc Products

• Zinc Acetate
• Zinc Gluconate
• Zinc Arginate
• Zinc Picolinate
• Zinc Aspartate
• Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
• Zinc Yeast
• Zinc Citrate

Call (800) 201-6896 for a Free Sample.