OSTEOMALACIA

progressive loss of calcium and phosphorus from the bones in adult humans. The condition may occur after several pregnancies or in old age, resulting in softening and curving of the bones and increased susceptibility to fractures. Depletion of the bone minerals may be caused by prolonged deficiency of calcium in the diet, lack of dietary vitamin D (or its precursor, ergosterol), impaired function of one of the body organs involved in the absorption or metabolism of the bone minerals or vitamin D, or too frequent ingestion of mineral oil in which vitamin D dissolves but is not absorbed from the intestines. Dietary histories of cases of osteomalacia frequently disclose multiple nutrient deficiencies. Therapy consists of the administration of a well-balanced diet high in protein and calcium and supplemented in moderation with vitamin D concentrates or fish-liver oils.