Which Vitamin D deficiency is primarily associated with adults?

Vitamin D deficiency is primarily associated with osteomalacia in adults. Osteomalacia is characterized by the softening of the bones due to inadequate mineralization, which can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures. This condition arises when there is not enough active vitamin D to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the diet, which are essential for maintaining healthy bone structure.

In contrast, rickets is a condition primarily seen in children, where vitamin D deficiency leads to improper bone mineralization during periods of growth, resulting in deformities and stunted growth. While both conditions arise from a lack of vitamin D, the specific manifestation of vitamin D deficiency differs between age groups; thus, osteomalacia is the condition specifically associated with adults. This distinction is important for understanding the effects of vitamin D on skeletal health in different populations.