Bone Support and Protocol Notes
McKinney notes, naturopathic bone-support ideas, protocol timing, and practical implementation points for bone-metastasis support
McKinney's bone support perspective
This section draws heavily on Dr Neil McKinney's Naturopathic Oncology.
Key points highlighted here include:
regular exercise matters for maintaining and improving bone health
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite can build bone density and mass more rapidly than bisphosphonate drugs in this interpretation
unlike bisphosphonates, it is presented as supporting new bone formation rather than mainly slowing bone loss
calcium supplements may matter less than vitamin D3, vitamin K2, regular exercise, and strontium in broader bone-health strategy
strontium citrate has evidence for reducing fracture risk and should be taken separately from calcium because they compete for absorption
a practical dose for low bone density is given here as two 340 mg capsules of strontium citrate at bedtime, paired with vitamin K2
there is also caution around stroke-risk debates extrapolated from prescription strontium ranelate data, and around bone-density scans overstating density in people using strontium
if hormone-therapy resistance develops, mTOR inhibitors such as everolimus may enter discussion, with indole-3-carbinol, green tea EGCG, and curcumin also noted as natural compounds with mTOR-related relevance.
Reference
Naturopathic Oncology, Fourth Edition
https://www.drneilmckinney.ca/product/naturopathic-oncology-fourth-edition/
Practitioner protocol notes
Strontium and calcium timing
Strontium should be taken separately from calcium supplements and calcium-rich foods.
Calcium competes with strontium for intestinal absorption.
A 2- to 4-hour gap is generally recommended here.
Strontium ranelate guidance is also cited in support of avoiding calcium at bedtime when using strontium.
Ossopan 1100 timing
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite is positioned here as best taken just after dinner.
The reasoning given is alignment with nocturnal bone remodelling and osteoblast activity.
More information and typical dosing were linked here:
Hydroxyapatite and bone health
Availability note: this product appears easier to source in the USA and Canada than in some other regions.
RegeneMax Plus timing
RegeneMax Plus is positioned here for bedtime use.
The rationale given is support for collagen synthesis and bone flexibility through choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid and biotin.
Availability note: this product also appears easier to source in the USA and Canada.
Protocol timing summary
Supplement | Timing | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
Strontium citrate | Away from calcium, with a 2- to 4-hour gap, often at bedtime | Prevents absorption competition |
Ossopan 1100 | Just after dinner | Supports nocturnal bone mineralisation |
RegeneMax Plus | Bedtime | Supports collagen synthesis timing |
Great Bones
Great Bones by R. Keith McCormick is recommended here as a science-backed guide to osteoporosis management, lab testing, and bone-health planning.
Great Bones books and resources
Implementation notes
These notes were presented as study notes rather than clinical advice.
Strontium dosing: 340 to 680 mg strontium citrate at bedtime, at least 2 hours after dinner
Calcium alternatives: prioritise hydroxyapatite over carbonate or citrate forms in this interpretation
Circadian alignment: nighttime dosing of bone-supporting supplements is framed as matching peak osteoblast activity
Infusion timing: extending zoledronic acid infusion to 30 minutes may reduce acute reactions
Dose interval: raising the question of 12-weekly zoledronic acid dosing with an oncologist may be reasonable when relevant
Support networks: online groups may help with lived-experience questions around denosumab and zoledronic acid side effects
Personalise and check safety
The main practical caution points are:
tailor interventions to cancer subtype, drug regimen, SNP pattern, and metabolic profile
monitor calcium and vitamin D regularly
review all supplements and off-label agents for drug interactions before use
Also relevant
Bone metastasis hub pages
Also relevant
Looking for broader bone-strength support?
Visit the Bone Health hub for practical guidance on:
bone density testing and scan interpretation
lab work, diet, and supplementation
exercise, loading, and safety cautions