Osteomalacia is a deficiency disease of

Options

A. infants due to protein energy malnutrition
B. adults due to protein energy malnutrition
C. adults due to vitamin D deficiency
D. infants due to vitamin K deficiency

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Osteomalacia**: Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by the softening of bones, which makes them more susceptible to fractures. It primarily affects adults.

2. **Identifying the Cause**: The main cause of osteomalacia is a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body, and its deficiency leads to weakened bones.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Infants due to protein energy malnutrition - This condition is not osteomalacia but rather marasmus, which is a severe form of malnutrition.
- **Option 2**: Adults due to protein energy malnutrition - This refers to a different condition known as kwashiorkor, which is also not osteomalacia.
- **Option 3**: Adults due to vitamin D deficiency - This is the correct answer, as osteomalacia is indeed caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in adults.
- **Option 4**: Infants due to vitamin K deficiency - This can lead to bleeding disorders but is not related to osteomalacia.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that osteomalacia is a deficiency disease in adults due to vitamin D deficiency.

**Final Answer**: Osteomalacia is a deficiency disease in adults due to vitamin D deficiency.

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