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.