Which clinical signs most commonly indicate vitamin D deficiency-related bone disorders in adults?

• A. Osteomalacia
• B. Rickets
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Scurvy

Answer: (A)

Vitamin D deficiency in adults most often causes osteomalacia, which is impaired mineralization of bone. This leads to bone pain and tenderness, especially in the hips, pelvis, spine, and ribs, along with proximal muscle weakness and an increased risk of fractures. The underlying issue is soft, under-mineralized bone rather than simply lower bone density.

Rickets occurs in children due to the same mineralization defect, but it presents as growth disturbances and bone deformities, not typical adult signs. Osteoporosis involves loss of bone mass and fragile bones from aging and hormonal factors; vitamin D deficiency can contribute, but the hallmark signs described here—bone pain and muscle weakness due to poor mineralization—point to osteomalacia. Scurvy is due to vitamin C deficiency and presents with gum disease and poor wound healing, not mineralization problems.