Question

Could you tell me if there has been any research regarding the use of strontium, an alkaline earth metal, for bone density issues in horses? I have noticed that there has been some success in increasing bone density for women with osteoporosis.

Answer

Several studies have been published on bone density in horses, but none that I know of has investigated strontium specifically. Some of the nutrients explored include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and silica. In addition, the influence of high-fat diets on bone density has been reported.

Research on bone density at Kentucky Equine Research (KER) led to the development of DuraPlex, a proprietary blend of specific proteins, vitamins, and minerals scientifically proven to reduce bone demineralization as well as increase bone mineral density and bone area in performance and growing horses.

If a supplement has been found to be effective in humans, a study in horses usually follows, so I would not be surprised to see research on strontium supplementation to horses in the near future.