Final answer:
The most frequent cause of Osteomalacia and rickets is a deficiency in vitamin D, which is crucial for the absorption of calcium and phosphate necessary for strong bone formation. Conditions like renal rickets also lead to similar issues due to genetic problems affecting phosphate transport. Adequate vitamin D through sunlight exposure or diet is essential for prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most frequent cause of Osteomalacia and rickets, disorders characterized by soft and deformed bones, is a deficiency in vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become soft in children, leading to rickets, which may result in skeletal deformities, fractures, and bowing of the legs. In adults, vitamin D deficiency results in osteomalacia, leading to demineralization of bones.
There are also specific conditions such as renal rickets, or familial hypophosphatemia rickets, which is a hereditary disease leading to severe rickets with low serum phosphate levels. This condition is characterized by defective transport of phosphate by the intestine and the renal tubules, resulting in reduced bone calcification.
It is essential for individuals, especially pregnant women and children, to have adequate exposure to sunlight or dietary supplementation with sources rich in vitamin D, such as eggs, cod liver oil, or liver, to prevent these disorders. A healthy diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in maintaining strong bones and preventing bone-related diseases.