American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Osteomalacia is primarily associated with a deficiency of Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. A deficiency in Vitamin D leads to inadequate mineralization of bone, resulting in softened bones, pain, and an increased risk of fractures.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining the proper balance of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is necessary for strong bone structure. When there is insufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium from the diet, leading to a decrease in bone mineral density. This condition is particularly important to recognize because the treatment often involves dietary changes and supplementation to restore adequate Vitamin D levels, promoting healthy bone mineralization and improving symptoms associated with osteomalacia.

In contrast, the other vitamins listed do not have a direct link to osteomalacia. For example, while Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, and Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and immune health, they do not specifically contribute to bone mineralization in the same way that Vitamin D does. Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting and bone health as well, but its role is more about bone matrix formation rather than direct mineralization deficiencies that characterize osteomalacia.