Question

Vitammin D deficiency leads to softening of bone, which is known as

a.) Osteomalacia
b.) Lumbago
c.) Osteogenesis imperfecta
d.) Osteoporosis
e.) Hypercalcemia

Answer 1

Vitamin D deficiency leads to decreased calcium absorption and softening of bones termed osteomalacia. This condition makes bones more prone to fractures and is distinct from other bone disorders such as osteoporosis, which is characterized by bone decalcification.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vitamin D deficiency leads to the softening of bones, a condition known as osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is characterized by bones that are soft and tend to break easily. This occurs due to the fact that calcium is absorbed through the intestines under the influence of activated vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D results in decreased calcium absorption, leading to a depletion of calcium stores in the skeleton. Osteomalacia in adults, as well as rickets in children, can emerge from this deficiency, contributing to more severe conditions like osteoporosis. Other clinical disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency include hyperphosphatemia, which is linked to reduced phosphate excretion and hypocalcemia.

Common symptoms of hypervitaminosis, or vitamin D excess, include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. In contrast, conditions like lumbago, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hypercalcemia are not directly related to a lack of vitamin D.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option a) Osteomalacia.