Final answer:
Osteomalacia is associated with weak and brittle bones due to a deficiency of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, often resulting from inadequate exposure to sunlight or poor diet, and can be aided by dietary supplementation. It differs from osteoporosis, which is a reduction of bone density and skeletal weakness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteomalacia is a condition primarily associated with weak and brittle bones due to a deficiency of minerals in the bone, particularly calcium ( Ca ) and phosphorus ( P ). This bone disorder is characterized by the softening of the bones as a result of inadequate mineralization. Osteomalacia in adults can occur when there is insufficient exposure to sunlight or inadequate dietary intake of essential nutrients, which affects the body's ability to maintain proper levels of vitamin D, a critical element for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine.
Women, especially those who have gone through multiple pregnancies, might be at a higher risk of developing osteomalacia due to increased demands for these minerals. Common sources of dietary supplementation to help recover from osteomalacia include egg, cod liver oil, and liver, which are rich in vitamin D and help in the mineralization of bones. Osteomalacia should not be confused with osteoporosis, which is a separate bone disease that involves the progressive reduction of bone density, leading to skeletal weakness and increased risk of fractures.