Dear Pam,

Thank you for telling us about osteomalcia - I can hardly spell the name correctly, so unfamiliar am I with the subject. But now that you mention it - yes, it is often confused with osteoporosis and you have pointed out the fine difference. 

You have stated that Vit D(2) is used for it! But I was under the impression from all the votaries of Vit D that we must use Vit D (3) which is better for all things.

I wonder why Vit D 2 has been specifically referred to and not Vit D3 which is cholecalciferol -- the Vit D we have been told about repeatedly by the most recent doctors advocating large doses. I do know that up to 6,00,000 IU of Vit D 3 are given as injections in India for rickets, but should it have been Vit D2 or maybe it dos not matter as both are egually good in this disease?

Many thanks again for yet another enlightening article that should be of interest to people all over the world, and not only in the US. The number of people with bow legs is legend in India where there is a Calcium deficiency.

I never had that problem but I had small bones - my fingers are thin as also my wrists.  I think it was milk deficiency, since my mother fell ill after my birth and I rarely had breast feeding. Also I remained indoors most of the time. I always worry when I have a fall lest I fracture the wrist or the fingers. But I guess it is too late now at my age -- and I am taking Vit D every once in a while. 60,000 IU once a month which adds up to 2000 IU per day.

I am afraid of taking too much calcium for fear of hypercalcemia, as i havent had my parathyroid Hormone tested -- can a simple blood test do this, before we start Vit D and Calcium in high doses? Is there a blood test for parathyroid hormone  PTH? Could this be involved in osteomalcia? Pardon me for putting so many questions together!!

Thanking you,

Yours,

Priya

Pam Flores, Health Guide

3/10/11 3:12pm

Hi Priya, glad you could join us!  There is a test for parathyroid hormone levels called PTH or iPTH (intack PTH).  It is a blood test, and if you don't have access to this at a local lab, you could use the mail order labs for this, as you did with your vitamin D.

 

Sorry there is some confusion on the D used for osteomalacia.  The [2] after the letter D refers to the citation number in the "Sources" at the end of the article.  That information came from the number 2 listing. 

 

There is a connection between hypocalcemia, PTH (parathyroid) and osteomalacia, since low calcium can cause a deficiency in the bone causing them to be soft.

 

I was not aware of a high incidence of osteomalacia where you live...Do you think it has something to do with low levels of D in the diet, or lack of sun exposure?  Hopefully all children and adults will get the proper amounts of vitamin and minerals to prevent this bone disorder. 

 

Thanks again...

Pam Flores, Health Guide

3/10/11 5:00pm

Hi Priya, one thing I forgot to mention is that rickets was almost eradicated a hundred years ago, but now it seems to be more prevalent.  With children spending more time indoors and not getting enough vitamin D from sun or supplements this disorder is on the upswing again.

 

Not sure if this explains the occurence where you live, but it seems to be reoccuring all over again.