What is osteomalacia primarily caused by?

Osteomalacia is primarily caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization. When there is insufficient Vitamin D, the body struggles to adequately absorb calcium from the diet, leading to weakened bones that are soft and more susceptible to fractures. This impairment in mineralization contributes to the characteristic symptoms of osteomalacia, such as bone pain and muscle weakness.

In contrast, while Vitamin C deficiency is associated with scurvy and collagen synthesis issues, it does not directly lead to the mineralization problems seen in osteomalacia. Calcium toxicity is not a typical cause of osteomalacia; rather, it could lead to other complications, such as hypercalcemia. Excessive UV exposure does not cause osteomalacia but is relevant as it can stimulate Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Thus, the direct link between Vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia makes it the primary cause of this condition.