Osteomalacia is characterized by poorly mineralized bones due to deficiency of which nutrient?

Osteomalacia is characterized by poorly mineralized bones due to deficiency of which nutrient?

• A. Vitamin D
• B. Calcium
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (A)

Osteomalacia happens when the bone matrix (osteoid) is laid down but not properly mineralized. The mineralization process requires vitamin D to promote absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gut, maintaining adequate levels for bone mineralization. When vitamin D is deficient, calcium and phosphate absorption drop, osteoid remains poorly mineralized, and bones become soft and weak. That’s why vitamin D deficiency is the classic cause of osteomalacia. Calcium deficiency can contribute to problems, but it’s the lack of vitamin D which directly impairs the mineralization process. Vitamin C deficiency affects collagen formation, not mineralization, and phosphorus deficiency can also disrupt mineralization but is not the typical defining cause in most cases.

Osteomalacia happens when the bone matrix (osteoid) is laid down but not properly mineralized. The mineralization process requires vitamin D to promote absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gut, maintaining adequate levels for bone mineralization. When vitamin D is deficient, calcium and phosphate absorption drop, osteoid remains poorly mineralized, and bones become soft and weak. That’s why vitamin D deficiency is the classic cause of osteomalacia.

Calcium deficiency can contribute to problems, but it’s the lack of vitamin D which directly impairs the mineralization process. Vitamin C deficiency affects collagen formation, not mineralization, and phosphorus deficiency can also disrupt mineralization but is not the typical defining cause in most cases.