Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 21 : Vitamin D

Osteomalacia in pregnant women

• Osteomalacia is also called adult rickets. It occurs generally in pregnant women of low income groups.
• It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and bone fragility.
• The changes in the blood and bone are essentially similar to those in rickets.
• Due to lack of vitamin D, there is a progressive decalcification of the bone and the bone becomes soft.
• Bone deformities due to the weight of the body occur in pelvis, legs, ribs, sacrum and lower lumbar vertebrae. Due to the deformity of the pelvis, normal delivery of the baby becomes difficult.
• Individuals, particularly women who consume a diet deficient in vitamin D and low in calcium and who live indoors for social reasons and observe ‘Purdha’ (covering their body completely with a black loose gown, including the face), show these symptoms.