Bones need calcium and phosphorus to remain healthy and strong, but the body also needs vitamin D to be able to absorb these two minerals. Without this necessary vitamin, bones can become soft and flexible. This softening is called osteomalacia, or rickets when diagnosed in children.
Because of the perception of dairy products as being high in fact, many people with eating disorders carefully avoid all dairy products. Unfortunately, it also means that people with eating disorders often do severe damage to their bones by missing out on Vitamin D.
Osteomalacia symptoms include:
- Bone pain and tenderness
- Skeletal and/or skull deformities
- Bow legs or knock knees
- Deformity or curvature of the spine
- Pigeon chest (forward protrusion of the chest bone)
- Impaired growth, resulting in short stature
- Susceptibility to bone fractures
- Dental deformities
- Delayed tooth formation
- Defects in teeth
- Increased cavities
The best way to treat osteomalacia is by adding Vitamin D to your diet.
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The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
