The Effect of Nutrition on the Development of Endemic Osteomalacia in Patients with Skeletal Fluorosis

The aim of the study was to study the relationship between nutrition and endemic osteomalacia, resulting in bone deformation with hump back, spinal curvature and "0" legs, in persons living in high drinking water fluoride areas with skeletal fluorosis. A dietary survey was made of 30-50 families from each of three villages in high fluoride areas of China, and in 273 persons in whom skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed clinically, clinical and radiological assessments were made for the presence of endemic osteomalacia with bone deformation together with measurement of the serum calcium and total protein. A higher incidence of osteomalacia was found in persons with a lower intake of energy, protein, calcium and Vitamin C, particularly multiparous women. Poor nutrition was seen to be an important cause of endemic osteomalacia in high fluoride areas and that prevention would be aided by a better diet.