Common Causes Of Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia means "soft bones". Osteoid is the bone protein matrix, composed primarily of type 1 collagen. When there is insufficient mineral or with some kinds of osteoblast dysfunction, the osteoid does not mineralize properly, and it accumulates. Many cases of osteomalacia are related to abnormalities in vitamin D.

When the newly formed bone of the growth plate does not mineralize, the growth plate becomes wide and irregular. This results in the clinical diagnosis of rickets, and is seen only in children because adults no longer have growth plates. When the remodeled bone does not mineralize, osteomalacia occurs, and this happens in all ages. Most of the hereditary causes of osteomalacia appear during childhood and cause rickets.

Osteomalacia may be suspected on a clinical basis, but the most reliable way to establish the diagnosis is with an undecalcified bone biopsy.

Characteristics of Osteomalacia include:

  • Shortage of vitamin D
  • Thickened or normal trabeculae
  • lack of mineralization
  • layer of unmineralized osteoid

A deficiency of calcium or phosphorus may also contribute to soft bones.

See also: Rickets

The nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in no way replaces medical treatment.

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