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Osteomalacia

Definition:
Osteomalacia involves softening of the bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with the metabolism of this vitamin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Conditions that may lead to osteomalacia include inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, inadequate exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), which produces vitamin D in the body and malabsorption of vitamin D by the intestines.

Other conditions that can cause osteomalacia include hereditary or acquired disorders of vitamin D metabolism; kidney failure and acidosis; phosphate depletion associated with low dietary intake of phosphates; kidney disease or cancer (rare), and side effects of medications used to treat seizures.

Risk factors are related to the causes. In the elderly, there is an increased risk amongst those who tend to remain indoors and who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.

Use of very strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that decrease formation of vitamin D within the body.



Review Date: 9/1/2002
Reviewed By: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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