*4.3.2 Osteomalacia*

As rickets occur in children, osteomalacia occurs in adults [4]. Osteomalacia is the result of the demineralization of bones [7]. In the case of osteomalacia, nonmineralized bones are much more than mineralized bones. Consequently, the

#### *Vitamin D Deficiency*

patient will have muscular weakness, bone tenderness, and pain and will be at higher risk of fractures [4].

The decreased ability to produce vitamin D3 in elderly due to the decrease in 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin results in osteomalacia also. Therefore, vitamin D is essential for preventing and treating osteomalacia in elderly [7].
