Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder defined by pain and stiffness in the joints. The condition is caused by normal wear-and-tear of the cartilages that cushion the bones around the joints, or due to extra bone formations around the joints. Obesity and family history increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Pain medications and corticosteroids are generally prescribed to treat it. Certain supplements, such as folic acid, may help arthritis patients by reducing the toxicity associated with the prescription medications.
About Folic Acid
Folic acid is part of the water-soluble vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy is essential to help prevent neural tube defects and other pregnancy complications such as premature delivery and low birth weight. The daily required amount, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, varies from 300 to 1,000 micrograms of the vitamin per day, depending on the age and overall health of the patient. It can be obtained from foods such as fortified cereals, spinach, orange juice and lentils. Natural and synthetic folic acid supplements are also available, generally in combination with other B complex vitamins.
Link Between Folic Acid and Osteoarthritis
Taking folic acid supplements with osteoarthritis medications such as methotrexate may benefit arthritis patients by reducing the disease activity, according to a study published in the October 2004 issue of the journal "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases." Another study in the December 2004 edition of the "Journal of Rheumatology" states that the use of the arthritis drug methotrexate can lower the levels of red blood cells in the body and low-dose folic acid may help manage this side effect. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends foods rich in folic acid to lower the risk of side effects associated with arthritis medications.
Side Effects
No major side effects have been associated with folic acid supplements or with diets rich in folic acid. However, it may mask the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency and treat megaloblastic anemia without rectifying the underlying vitamin deficiency, thereby, increasing the risk of neurological damage.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before taking folic acid supplements along with your arthritis medications. Also note that certain medications, antibiotics and anticonvulsant medications may prevent the absorption of folate in the intestine, hence inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Folic Acid; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2002
- "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases"; Influence of Guideline Adherence on Outcome in a Randomised Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Methotrexate with Folate Supplementation in Rheumatoid Arthritis; J Fransen, et al.; October 2004
- "Journal of Rheumatology"; Folate, Homocysteine, and Cobalamin Status in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Methotrexate, and the Effect of Low Dose Folic Acid Supplement; Nete Hornung, et al.; December 2004
- Arthritis Foundation: How to Care for Yourself
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