Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a bone-softening condition related to vitamin D deficiency outcomes, distinct from but in the same category as rickets. For osteomalacia, at least 10,000–20,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day is recommended, with consistent daily dosing preferred over infrequent large doses. For bone-softening symptoms, daily consistent dosing of 10,000–20,000 IU is more effective than infrequent large doses. Subclinical osteomalacia — insufficient for formal diagnosis but enough to cause chronic aching — is likely underdiagnosed across the population. Subclinical osteomalacia—not severe enough for formal diagnosis but sufficient to cause chronic aching—is likely widespread and underdiagnosed. Osteomalacia is the softening of bones caused by severe vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D controls calcium absorption in the small intestine by a factor of 20 times, so deficiency dramatically reduces calcium uptake. Vitamin D controls calcium absorption in the small intestine by a factor of 20 times; without sufficient vitamin D, bones lose structural density. Aluminum causes osteomalacia by interfering with vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency-related bone softening presents as dull, non-shar…