Alternative Names & Classifications:
Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency (EFAD) (CLINICAL)
Description
The human body cannot synthesize omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) or omega-6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids, making them dietary essentials. They are fundamental components of all cell membranes and precursors to localized hormones (eicosanoids) that regulate inflammation. Deficiency is rare, usually restricted to patients reliant on long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) lacking lipid emulsions, or infants on restricted diets.