Question

Osteomalacia in adults is due to the deficiency of:
(A) Retinol
(B) Calciferol
(C) Riboflavin
(D) Thiamine

Answer 1

The deficiency of a calcium metabolising enzyme can cause defects in the bones as they are mostly made up of calcium. The disease causing weakening of bones is termed as Osteomalacia.
It can be treated by consuming food having higher content of calcium in it.

Complete step-by-step answer: Osteomalacia is caused due to the impairment of bone metabolism. This disease mainly results in inadequate mineralization of the bones. This can be observed most commonly in women, during the time of pregnancy. This disease is mainly associated with bones and it majorly results in weakening of the bones. The symptoms of this disease may include, the feeling of tiredness, pain in the bones, and easy breakage of them in some cases.
We know that the bones in our body are made up of calcium as well as phosphates, so in order to resist or prevent this disease from getting worse, we need a source of calcium.
Now we will consider each of the options which are provided to us in the question in order to find out which one could act as an active source of calcium, for development of the bones.
First option is retinol which is also commonly known as vitamin A. The deficiency of which causes nyctalopia and are commonly observed in children and women who are nearly in the age of reproduction. However it does not help in calcium metabolism, and so it is not the correct option.
In the second option it says calciferol, which is also termed as vitamin D, and is responsible for the metabolism of calcium in the bones. So, this would be our correct option.
The deficiency of riboflavin in adults causes skin disorders, hair loss, sore throat etc. But it doesn’t help in calcium metabolism, so it would be an incorrect option.
Lastly, the thiamine deficiency causes a disease called beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system which results in shortness of breath, faster heart rate, and swelling of leg in adults.

So, the correct option would be option (B).

Note: Osteomalacia is a disease caused by the deficiency of calciferol, as it helps in metabolism of calcium, as a result of its deficiency the bones become weak, and easily breakable.
Osteomalacia can also result in weakening of the muscles along with bones. This could be observed in the areas of the body where the muscles attach to the bones.