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Osteomalacia
Moderate
Osteomalacia is a disorder in which bones become soft and weak because they do not mineralize normally. It is most often related to inadequate vitamin D, which is needed for the body to absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. Osteomalacia can cause bone pain, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and fractures in severe cases.
Body System
Bones & Joints
When to Seek Medical Attention
Osteomalacia should be medically assessed because impaired bone mineralization can cause bone pain, weakness, and fractures. Seek prompt care for worsening bone pain, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, or suspected fracture. Urgent evaluation is appropriate for severe sudden pain, inability to bear weight, or symptoms suggesting a serious fracture.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Osteomalacia is a disorder in which bones become soft and weak because they do not mineralize normally. It is most often related to inadequate vitamin D, which is needed for the body to absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. Osteomalacia can cause bone pain, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and fractures in severe cases.
Symptoms 3
Muscle Cramps
Muscle Pain
Unexplained Weight Loss
Causes 2
Osteomalacia most often results from vitamin D deficiency, which reduces calcium and phosphate absorption and interferes with normal bone mineralization. Causes may include inadequate sunlight exposure, insufficient dietary vitamin D, problems absorbing nutrients, certain kidney or liver disorders, and medicines that interfere with vitamin D metabolism. Rare inherited or metabolic disorders can also cause osteomalacia.
Kidney Disease
Poor Diet
Risk Factors
Risk of osteomalacia increases with inadequate vitamin D intake or sunlight exposure, conditions that interfere with absorption of nutrients, chronic kidney or liver disease, and certain medicines that affect vitamin D metabolism. Older adults and people with limited outdoor activity may also be at increased risk. Risk varies according to the underlying cause.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and blood tests that assess vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, and related measures. X-rays or other bone imaging may show changes associated with poor mineralization. In selected cases, additional testing may be used to identify an underlying metabolic, kidney, liver, or intestinal disorder.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Some causes of osteomalacia can be prevented or reduced by getting adequate vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients through diet or appropriate supplements
Safe exposure to sunlight may help the body produce vitamin D
People with conditions that interfere with absorption or vitamin D metabolism should follow medical advice and have deficiencies identified and treated
Prevention Guidance
Some causes of osteomalacia can be prevented or reduced by getting adequate vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients through diet or appropriate supplements. Safe exposure to sunlight may help the body produce vitamin D. People with conditions that interfere with absorption or vitamin D metabolism should follow medical advice and have deficiencies identified and treated.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vitamin D Foods
Support mineralization
Calcium-rich Foods
Support bone strength
Protein-rich Foods
Support recovery
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
Limit intake
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Softening of bones due to poor mineralization.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common cause.
Bone pain and muscle weakness.
Adequate vitamin D may help prevent it.
Blood tests and imaging studies are used.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.