Osteoporosis vs. Osteomalacia

Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to weak and brittle bones. This means people with osteoporosis are more likely to experience a fracture from even a simple fall from a standing position when compared to a healthy person. An improper amount of vitamin D and calcium in the diet and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing or exacerbating osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is generally seen in the elderly, especially women.

Osteoporosis cause our bone to become less dense.

Osteomalacia is a condition where excessive and prolonged deficiencies in vitamin D soften and weaken the bones and make them more likely to fracture. Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium from our food or supplements, and calcium helps keep our bones nice and strong! Osteomalacia is the adult version of a well-known condition in children called rickets. Besides a dietary vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia may be caused by a kidney disorder or a digestive disorder. Such conditions can lead to lower than normal levels of vitamin D in the body.

The Process
The process that leads to either one is the key to understanding their underlying difference. In osteoporosis, bones are broken down faster than they can re-form. This is what causes the bones to become less dense and thus more brittle.

Conversely, osteomalacia is a process where the breakdown and formation of bone is essentially equal. However, the bone that does form in osteomalacia doesn't mineralize very well. If the bone doesn't mineralize very well, it's not as hard as it should be. In other words, it's softer than normal.