Osteomalacia

A disease of adults that is characterized by softening of the bones due to loss of bone mineral. Osteomalacia is characteristic of vitamin D deficiency in adults, while children with vitamin D deficiency suffer from rickets.

Source: NutraBio.com  Health Terms and Definitions 

Osteomalacia is "an abnormal condition of the lamellar bone, characterized by a loss of calcification of the matrix resulting in softening of the bone, accompanied by weakness, fracture, pain, anorexia, and weight loss. The condition is the result of an inadequate amount of phosphorous and calcium available in the blood for mineralization of the bones. This deficiency may be caused by a diet lacking these minerals or vitamin D, or by a lack of exposure to sunlight, hence an inability to synthesize vitamin D, or by a metabolic disorder causing malabsorption. Osteomalacia results from and also complicates many diseases and conditions." [Mosby's Medical Dictionary]

[editor's note: osteomalacia is also produced with high fluoride intakes]

Source: fluoridation.com 

Bone

GreenFacts Summary on Fluoride:

• 9.3 How can bones be affected by skeletal fluorosis?

Fluoride

Diet & Nutrition