A disease of adults that is characterized by softening of the bones due to
loss of bone mineral. Osteomalacia is characteristic of vitamin D deficiency in
adults, while children with vitamin D deficiency suffer from rickets.
Osteomalacia is "an abnormal condition of the lamellar bone, characterized by
a loss of calcification of the matrix resulting in softening of the bone,
accompanied by weakness, fracture, pain, anorexia, and weight loss. The
condition is the result of an inadequate amount of phosphorous and calcium
available in the blood for mineralization of the bones. This deficiency may be
caused by a diet lacking these minerals or vitamin D, or by a lack of exposure
to sunlight, hence an inability to synthesize vitamin D, or by a metabolic
disorder causing malabsorption. Osteomalacia results from and also complicates
many diseases and conditions." [Mosby's Medical Dictionary]
[editor's note: osteomalacia is also produced with high fluoride intakes]
