There are three important functions of essential fatty acids, the most important is as part of phospholipids in all cellular membranes.
Secondly, this type of fatty acids act as precursors of prostanoids which are only formed from essential fatty acids and the last functions is of course as energy source.
The clinical manifestations of essential fatty acids deficiency in human include dry, scaly skin, usually erythematous eruptions, diffuse hair loss, poor wound healing failure of growth and increase metabolic rate.
It is also associated with capillary fragility, abnormal liver and kidney function and neurologic damage. During pregnancy, the fetus relies on material circulation and transfer of these essential fatty cods across the placenta. In case the growing tissues requirements are not met, the fetus is at increase risk for essential fatty acid deficiency.
In essential fatty acids deficiency, oleic acid can be dehydrogenated to yield polyunsaturated fatty acids that are non essential and do not substitute for the essential fatty acids. The end products of non-essential fatty acids extension cannot however, function in cell membranes or in eicosanoid precursors.
Malnutrition is a common cause of essential fatty acid deficiency. American Heart Association and the FDA both recommended essential fatty acid supplements for cardiovascular benefits.
The National Institute on Aging proposes a correlation between Alzheimer’s diseases and a deficiency on essential fatty acids.
Deficiency of essential fatty acids in adults is rare, but has been seen in children fed virtually fat-free diets.
Deficiency of essential fatty acids