<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> 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>
softening of the bones in adults is known as
softening of the bones in adults is known as
osteomalacia
osteomalacia