(NaturalNews)- Calcium is known to prevent broken bones. But a study conducted on nurses from Harvard University showed that calcium was not an important nutrient for bone density. However, the mineral strontium has been shown to prevent bone loss and bone fractures. Over ten million Americans have weak bones while we consume the most calcium of any peoples in the world. The Japanese have half our rate of fractures and consume only one-third the calcium Americans do. Chinese rarely fracture bones and consume very little calcium.

The Harvard Nurses Health Study was conducted over a twelve-year period. Women were given 900 mg of calcium a day. Those who consumed the calcium had twice the amount of hip fractures as a group who only consumed 450 mg a day. Other studies concurred. A study of over 36,000 women gave one group a thousand mg a day of calcium and the other group a placebo. With both groups also taking vitamin D, the results were the same for each group. No change with the calcium supplementation.

Strontium usage for bone density has been in use since 1959. There are over 200 published studies on strontium and its effects on the health and formation of bone. The renowned Mayo Clinic conducted a study that showed great results. Recent studies have shown similar results. In women over the age of 80, adding strontium supplements decreased their risk of bone fracture by 59%. The New England Journal of Medicine also published a study that showed risk of fracture reduction of 49%. A control group in this study consumed both calcium and vitamin D, but did not show any reduction in the amount of bone fractures compared to the dramatic improvement in the group consuming strontium. In another study, height loss related to aging was reduced by 20%.

Strontium works in the body by stimulating the growth of new bone. It does this by attracting the other bone building minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. McGill University in Montreal conducted a study with supplemental strontium and showed that in just six months, study participants increased bone formation by 172%.

One of the best ways to keep bones strong is by exercise. Weight bearing exercise and weight training are great ways to build both strong muscles and strong bones. And add strontium to the diet. Hormones also have an effect on bone density and a bone density test can identify those in need of additional nutritional supplementation.

Strontium supplementation can be started at any age and there are no known side effects.

Source : www.naturalnews.com