[Essential-fatty-acid deficiency syndrome in man]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Dermatology
• Nutritional Science

Context:

• Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) was first identified in rats in 1929.
• EFAD was later observed in infants receiving cow's milk formula.
• Adult EFAD remained largely unrecognized until the 1970s.

Purpose:

• To describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of essential fatty acid deficiency in adults.
• To highlight the link between fat-free nutrition and EFAD.
• To demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of linoleic acid in EFAD.

Summary:

• Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) syndrome, previously documented in rats and infants, was identified in adult patients receiving long-term fat-free parenteral nutrition or synthetic formula diets.
• Clinical manifestations included desquamative and hyperkeratotic dermatoses.
• Gas-chromatographic analysis confirmed the lack of essential fatty acids, and symptoms resolved with linoleic acid administration.

Impact:

• This research established the occurrence of EFAD in adults, expanding the understanding of its clinical significance.
• It underscored the importance of essential fatty acids in adult nutrition, particularly in clinical settings involving specialized diets.
• The findings paved the way for recognizing and managing EFAD in adult patients, improving dermatological and nutritional care.