Compositions and methods for the treatment of osteoporosis and inflammatory joint disease

Abstract

Compositions and methods for the treatment of osteoporosis and/or inflammatory joint disease are provided herein. The compositions contain a folate, such as a reduced folate, and folic acid. The folate is preferably 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and most preferably 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid. The folate and folic acid can be given in the same dosage unit or separate dosage units, and more than one dosage unit can be given per dose. The compositions may also contain one or more vitamins and minerals selected from vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These ingredients are optional, but preferable (especially the vitamins and minerals). The compositions may further contain one or more additional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and laxatives. The compositions are useful in the treatment of all forms of osteoporosis, including primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis, and/or inflammatory joint diseases, especially in patients having a folic acid metabolism deficiency. The compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, with complications that include bone loss, fracture, and osteoporosis. In addition, the compositions are beneficial for the prevention of osteoporosis in subjects who do not yet have the disease, but who are at risk for getting osteoporosis, such as post-menopausal women, subjects with osteopenia (mid thinning of the bone mass), subjects with an inflammatory joint disease, or people who are over the age of 70.

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