<Tr> <Th> Patient UK </Th> <Td> Osteomalacia </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones caused by impaired bone metabolism primarily due to inadequate levels of available phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D, or because of resorption of calcium . The impairment of bone metabolism causes inadequate bone mineralization . Osteomalacia in children is known as rickets, and because of this, use of the term "osteomalacia" is often restricted to the milder, adult form of the disease . Signs and symptoms can include diffuse body pains, muscle weakness, and fragility of the bones . In addition to low systemic levels of circulating mineral ions necessary for bone and tooth mineralization, accumulation of mineralization - inhibiting proteins and peptides (such as osteopontin and ASARM peptides) occurs in the extracellular matrix of bones and teeth, likely contributing locally to cause matrix hypomineralization (osteomalacia). </P> <P> The most common cause of osteomalacia is a deficiency of vitamin D, which is normally derived from sunlight exposure and, to a lesser extent, from the diet . The most specific screening test for vitamin D deficiency in otherwise healthy individuals is a serum 25 (OH) D level . Less common causes of osteomalacia can include hereditary deficiencies of vitamin D or phosphate (which would typically be identified in childhood) or malignancy . </P>

Softening of the bones in adults is known as