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A common cause of osteomalacia is a lack of vitamin D. This condition is characterized by the softening of bones, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures and issues with bone structure. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body as it helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to inadequate mineralization of the bone matrix, resulting in osteomalacia. This is often seen in individuals with limited sun exposure, those with malabsorption issues, or in populations with a dietary deficiency in vitamin D. While excessive exercise, high calcium intake, and joint injuries can impact bone health, they do not directly cause osteomalacia in the way that a deficiency of vitamin D does. Thus, the essential link between vitamin D and bone mineralization makes lack of vitamin D the most common cause of osteomalacia.