Final answer:
The statement that osteomalacia is caused by inadequate mineralization due to calcium or phosphate deficiencies is true. It differs from osteoporosis, which is characterized by decreased bone mass due to an imbalance in bone resorption and formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteomalacia is indeed a generalized bone condition characterized by inadequate mineralization of the bone tissue. This condition results from a deficiency in calcium or phosphate, or both, which are critical for healthy bone formation and maintenance. The statement that osteomalacia results from calcium or phosphate deficiency, or both, is true.
Osteomalacia in adults can be due to various factors such as low exposure to sunlight leading to a vitamin D deficiency, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestine. Additionally, in women after several pregnancies, the demineralization of bone can occur, leading to osteomalacia. It is important to note that osteomalacia is different from osteoporosis, which is a reduction in bone mass often observed in the elderly due to an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. In contrast, osteomalacia involves the softening of the bone due to poor bone mineralization.