How is osteomalacia diagnosed?
People with vitamin D deficiency need medical treatment to restore bone health. Your doctor will order medical tests that may include: Blood work shows low vitamin D, calcium and phosphate levels and usually elevated bone alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme) and parathyroid stimulating hormone (PTH) levels typical in celiac disease. Bone X-rays show bone deformities such as bowing and translucent pseudofractures called Looser’s zones that are diagnostic of osteomalacia. Bone biopsy of bone tissue shows demineralizaton at a microscopic level. Dexascan is a non-invasive procedure that scans bone of the lumbar spine, hip and wrist to measure bone density. Treatment A doctor will prescribe the correct dosage of vitamin D based on bloodwork to restore normal levels and follow-up to monitor response. Blood monitoring of calcium and phosphorus is also important to evaluate the need for supplements while bone is healing. Too much is just as bad as too little. Because many processed foods are forti
