Osteomalacia: Nutrition and Vitamin
Katrina M
November 7, 2013
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease of the bones, caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Because patients with this disease have bones that are soft, they are more likely to bow and fracture than stronger, healthier bones. This disease can occur in children, in which case it is called Rickets. Because Osteomalacia is caused by the lack of Vitamin D, easily accessible in our diets, it can be turned around and cured. Osteomalacia affects people of all ages, and in all stages of life. The people most at risk of Osteomalacia are those who aren’t able to produce enough Vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, this includes people who are ill, and the elderly. People whose diet is lacking in Vitamin D and/or calcium may be at risk, especially if they’re unable to produce enough Vitamin D in the skin. People who are vegan, on a lacto-vegetarian diet, or lactose intolerant are more likely to aquire Osteomalacia than people with the normal nutrient-rich diet. Everyone is at risk of obtaining Osteomalacia if they don't take in the proper nutrients.
Osteomalacia affects those who have the disease differently based on the stage of it or how serious it is. For example, it would affect someone that just aquired Osteomalacia less than someone that was in a more serious stage of it. Emotionally, Osteomalacia causes fear. Because of their weak bones, many patients are afraid of falling. This fear might cause them to not take risks or live life to the fullest in fear of getting hurt. The patient would not take chances or put themselves in situations that could cause them to fall. Physically, patients with Osteomalacia experience pain and weakness in their bones. It is hard for patients to do everyday activities such as walking, never mind running. Because of the pain, simple activities are harder to get through due to the increase in effort to look past the pain in order to get through activities. Mentally, many patients with osteomalacia
November 7, 2013
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease of the bones, caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Because patients with this disease have bones that are soft, they are more likely to bow and fracture than stronger, healthier bones. This disease can occur in children, in which case it is called Rickets. Because Osteomalacia is caused by the lack of Vitamin D, easily accessible in our diets, it can be turned around and cured. Osteomalacia affects people of all ages, and in all stages of life. The people most at risk of Osteomalacia are those who aren’t able to produce enough Vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, this includes people who are ill, and the elderly. People whose diet is lacking in Vitamin D and/or calcium may be at risk, especially if they’re unable to produce enough Vitamin D in the skin. People who are vegan, on a lacto-vegetarian diet, or lactose intolerant are more likely to aquire Osteomalacia than people with the normal nutrient-rich diet. Everyone is at risk of obtaining Osteomalacia if they don't take in the proper nutrients.
Osteomalacia affects those who have the disease differently based on the stage of it or how serious it is. For example, it would affect someone that just aquired Osteomalacia less than someone that was in a more serious stage of it. Emotionally, Osteomalacia causes fear. Because of their weak bones, many patients are afraid of falling. This fear might cause them to not take risks or live life to the fullest in fear of getting hurt. The patient would not take chances or put themselves in situations that could cause them to fall. Physically, patients with Osteomalacia experience pain and weakness in their bones. It is hard for patients to do everyday activities such as walking, never mind running. Because of the pain, simple activities are harder to get through due to the increase in effort to look past the pain in order to get through activities. Mentally, many patients with osteomalacia