Bones & Joints
Osteomalacia
The adult form of rickets — softening and weakening of bones due to vitamin D or calcium deficiency. Bones become painful, tender, and prone to fracture. Most often occurs during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but also in those with kidney disease, insufficient sun exposure, or conditions that impair nutrient absorption.
📝 Summary
In short: The adult form of rickets — softening and weakening of bones due to vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → D or calcium deficiency. Bones become painful, tender, and prone to fracture. Most often occurs during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but also in those with kidney disease, insufficient sun exposure, or conditions that impair nutrient absorption.
Common causes: Calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or inability to utilize vitamin D.; Insufficient sun exposure.; Very low body fat (prevents bile production needed to absorb vitamin D)..
First thing to try: See Rickets for treatment guidelines — the same principles apply.
See a doctor if: See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if you are unsure — natural supports are meant to complement, not replace, professional care.
🌿 Overview
The adult form of rickets — softening and weakening of bones due to vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → D or calcium deficiency. Bones become painful, tender, and prone to fracture. Most often occurs during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but also in those with kidney disease, insufficient sun exposure, or conditions that impair nutrient absorption.
Common signs
- Painful, tender bones — especially in the ribs, hips, and legs.
- Difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a squatting position.
- Bone fractures after only minor injury.
🔎 Why it happens
Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.
- Calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or inability to utilize vitamin D.
- Insufficient sun exposure.
- Very low body fat (prevents bile production needed to absorb vitamin D).
- Kidney disease or defects interfering with vitamin D metabolism.
- Conditions that impair nutrient absorption: asthma, bronchitis, colon problems, severe allergies, celiac disease.
- Intestinal surgery and certain epilepsy drugs also interfere.
✅ What to do
Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.
- See Rickets for treatment guidelines — the same principles apply.
- Increase sun exposure daily.
- Correct underlying absorption or kidney problems.
⭐ Community-ranked natural supports
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Citrus, berries, peppers, and greens supply vitamin C to support the immune system.91232
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📊 Compare these remedies side by side
Our editor score weighs sources, safety, simplicity, cost, and lifestyle fit. Source endorsements tally how many books and studies reference each remedy. A higher number isn't a promise — it's just a starting point.
| Remedy | Type | Editor score | Source endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon & Vitamin-C Foods | Food | 91 | 232 |
| Vitamin D & Sunshine | Practice | 85 | 206 |
| Magnesium-Rich Foods | Food | 86 | 132 |
🍽️ Eating to help
Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.
Increase calcium-rich foods and vitamin D intake. Adequate fat in diet is needed for fat-soluble vitamin D absorption. See also Strengthening the Bones for comprehensive nutritional guidance.
⚖️ Good to know
- When associated with celiac disease, colon conditions, or malabsorption, supplementing alone may not suffice — address the underlying absorption problem.
- Avoid prolonged indoor sedentary lifestyle.
🩺 When to see a doctor
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if you are unsure — natural supports are meant to complement, not replace, professional care.
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