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.
