11 Fat Deficiency Signs & Symptoms Not to be Avoided

healthy-fat-for-fat-deficiency-diseases

Eating a large amount of fat has adverse effects on a person's health. However, not getting adequate fat in the diet can lead to various problems. Fats are necessary for the body in a specific quantity.

The body uses fat as fuel to function. Keep reading to know the symptoms and signs for diseases caused due to fat deficiency.

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What is Fat Deficiency?

Fat deficiency happens due to the lack of fat in your diet. It can lead to fat deficiency disease such as EFA deficiency disease. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats should be part of everyone's diet. These fats are present in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil and fatty fish.

How Common is Fat Deficiency?

Fat deficiency, or a lack of adequate fat in the diet, is uncommon in most parts of the world, especially in developed countries. Fats are a crucial part of our diet, providing essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce independently. They are also important for absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble.

Fat deficiency can occur in certain situations. For instance, individuals who follow extremely low-fat diets or have certain medical conditions that affect fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, or some forms of liver disease, may be at risk.

In these cases, the body might not get enough essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to symptoms like dry skin, hair loss, poor wound healing, and weakened immunity.

What are the Diseases Caused Due to Fat Deficiency?

Human beings fall victim to several diseases caused due to fat deficiency. Some of them are

Now that you know about the reasons behind diseases caused due to fat deficiency, let’s find out how to prevent them.

Sl. No. Disease Description
1 Heart diseases Fat deficiency can lead to imbalances in cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
2 Colon cancer Insufficient intake of certain fats may contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
3 Vitamin deficiency diseases Fats are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Deficiency can lead to diseases related to these vitamins, such as night blindness (vitamin A deficiency) or osteomalacia (vitamin D deficiency).
4 Weaker immune system Fats are crucial for the proper functioning of immune cells. Deficiency can impair immune responses and increase susceptibility to infections.
5 Hormonal imbalance Fats are involved in the production of hormones. Deficiency can disrupt hormone balance, leading to various health issues including reproductive disorders.
6 Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency diseases EFAs like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are critical for brain function, skin health, and inflammation regulation. Deficiency can lead to neurological disorders, dry skin, and inflammatory conditions.
7 Dermatitis EFA deficiency can cause skin conditions like dermatitis, characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin patches.
8 Poor wound healing Fats are essential for the formation of cell membranes and skin tissue repair. Deficiency can impair wound healing processes.
9 Neurological problems Certain fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, play a role in brain function and development. Deficiency may contribute to neurological disorders and cognitive decline.
10 Vision problems Fats are crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which is important for vision. Deficiency can lead to night blindness and other vision impairments.
11 Reproductive issues Fats are involved in hormone production. Deficiency may lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, and other reproductive problems.
12 Mental health disorders There is some evidence suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in mental health. Deficiency could potentially contribute to mood disorders like depression.
13 Growth and developmental issues Inadequate fat intake can affect growth in children and cause developmental delays.
14 Bone health Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, which is important for bone health, require fats for absorption. Deficiency in these vitamins due to lack of fat can lead to bone disorders.

11 Signs & Symptoms of Fat Deficiency

Fat deficiency, also known as essential fatty acid deficiency, can lead to various symptoms due to the essential role fats play in the body. The symptoms of fat deficiency are as follows

Sr. No. Symptoms Descriptions
1 Scaly, dry skin Fats, especially essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, are crucial for maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. A deficiency can lead to dry, flaky skin because the skin cells cannot retain sufficient moisture.
2 Not able to lose weight Essential fatty acids play a role in regulating metabolism and fat utilisation in the body. When there's a deficiency, metabolic processes may slow down, making it harder to burn stored fat for energy, contributing to difficulty in weight loss.
3 Constantly feeling cold Fats help insulate the body and regulate body temperature. A lack of adequate fats can reduce insulation, making individuals more sensitive to cold temperatures.
4 Always feeling hungry Fats are satiating and help regulate appetite by signaling fullness. When there's a deficiency, especially of essential fatty acids, the body may not feel satisfied after meals, leading to increased hunger and cravings.
5 Hormonal imbalance Fats produce and balance hormones, including reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and adrenal hormones (like cortisol). A deficiency can disrupt hormone synthesis and balance, potentially leading to irregularities in menstrual cycles, fertility issues, and mood swings.
6 Poor wound healing Fats are necessary for the formation of cell membranes and tissue repair. A deficiency can impair the body's ability to heal wounds effectively.
7 Hair loss In severe cases of fat deficiency, hair can become dry, brittle, and fall out more easily.
8 Poor growth in infants and children Fats are important for growth and development, especially in infants and young children. A deficiency can lead to poor growth rates and delayed development.
9 Increased susceptibility to infection Fats play a role in immune function, and a deficiency can weaken the immune system, making individuals more prone to infections.
10 Vision problems Fats are essential for the health of the retina and visual function. A deficiency can lead to vision problems, particularly in low light.
11 Neurological symptoms Fats are important for the structure and function of the nervous system. A deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the extremities, poor reflexes, and cognitive impairments.

Now that you know the symptoms, you will be able to easily identify it beforehand to steer clear of diseases caused due to fat deficiency accordingly.

What are the Main Causes of Fat Deficiency?

The primary causes behind fat deficiency are listed below.

Sr. No. Cause Description
1 Eating disorders People with anorexia nervosa severely restrict their food intake, often to the point of malnutrition. This can lead to deficiencies in all nutrients, including fats.
Individuals with bulimia nervosa may binge eat and then purge through behaviours like vomiting or using laxatives. This pattern can disrupt nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involves restrictive eating patterns that can lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including fats.
2 Inflammatory bowel disorders Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) types where chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract can impair absorption of fats and other nutrients. Inflammation in the intestines can lead to dietary fat malabsorption, even if consumed in sufficient quantities. This can result in fat deficiency over time.
3 Colectomy A colectomy is a surgical procedure where all or part of the colon (large intestine) is removed.
After a colectomy, especially a total colectomy, the ability to absorb nutrients, including fats, may be compromised. This can lead to deficiencies if adequate dietary adjustments or medical interventions are not made post-surgery.

Effects of Long-Term Fat Deficiency

Adequate dietary fat consumption is necessary to execute daily biological functions in the human body. If your diet is deficient in fat, you may have symptoms including dry rashes, hair loss, weakened immunity, and vitamin shortages. Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated to support overall wellness.

Diagnosis of Fat Deficiency

Diagnosis of fat deficiency requires a comprehensive approach that considers clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, dietary habits, and underlying medical conditions.

Clinical Evaluation

A healthcare provider will evaluate symptoms such as dry, scaly skin, poor wound healing, hair loss, and neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness. Symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, constant coldness, and persistent hunger may also be considered.

Medical History

Information about diet, any underlying medical conditions (such as eating disorders or inflammatory bowel diseases), and recent surgeries (like colectomy) will be gathered to assess risk factors for fat deficiency.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Levels of these essential fatty acids can indicate deficiencies. Omega-3 fatty acids include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), while omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.

Fatty Acid Profiles

A fatty acid profile can provide a detailed breakdown of various fatty acids in the blood, helping identify imbalances or deficiencies.

Skin Biopsy

Sometimes, a skin biopsy may be performed to assess fatty acid composition in the skin, especially if dermatological symptoms are prominent.

Nutritional Counseling

A registered dietitian or nutritionist may analyse the diet and provide recommendations to increase the intake of healthy fats.

Response to Treatment

If fat deficiency is suspected and dietary changes or supplementation is initiated, improvement in symptoms over time can support the diagnosis.

Imaging Studies

In cases of suspected malabsorption (e.g., due to inflammatory bowel diseases), imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may be used to assess the condition of the intestines.

Other Blood Tests

Additional blood tests may be conducted to evaluate overall nutritional status, including levels of vitamins and minerals that can be affected by fat deficiency.

29 Best Food Sources to Overcome Fat Deficiency

A diet rich in fat-based foods can help overcome fat deficiency. To increase fat levels, try the food items below and include them in your diet.

Fruits to Overcome Fat Deficiency

avocado-for-fat-deficiency-diseases

Try the fruits below to ensure adequate fat intake. Battle fat deficiency with the fruits in the table below:
Sr. No. Fruits Fat Content
2 Avocado (raw, California) 15.41 gm
3 Avocado (raw, all varieties) 14.66 gm
4 Carissa natal-plum (raw) 1.3 gm
5 Horned melon 1.26 gm
6 Pomegranates (raw) 1.17 gm
7 Sapodilla (raw) 1.1 gm
8 Common guavas (raw) 0.95 gm
9 Kumquats (raw) 0.86 gm
10 Ground Cherries (raw) 0.7 gm
11 Passion-fruit (purple, raw) 0.70 gm
12 Raspberries (raw) 0.65 gm

Vegetables to Overcome Fat Deficiency

potatoes-for-fat-deficiency-diseases

Have these vegetables every day to increase the fat level in your body. Follow the list below to choose your veggies

Sr. No. Vegetables Fat Content
1 Olives (ten) 5 mg
2 Soybeans (one cup) 17 mg
3 Corn (one cup) 4 gm
4 Peas (one cup) 2 gm
5 Potatoes (one medium) 0.2 mg
6 Brussels sprouts (one cup) 0.3 mg
7 Squash (one cup) 0.1 gm
8 Edamame (one cup) 5 gm

Other Eatables to Overcome Fat Deficiency

milk-for-fat-deficiency-diseases

Here are a few options other than fruits and vegetables to include in your diet. Try any of the following from the list below:

Sr. No. Food Sources Fat Content
1 Whole Milk (one cup) 8 gm
2 Cheddar Cheese (one slice) 9 gm
3 Cream Cheese (one tablespoon) 5 gm
4 Butter (one tablespoon) 11 gm
5 Granola (100 gram) 15 gm
6 Ghee (one tablespoon) 14 gm
7 Greek Yoghurt (28 gram) 10 gm
8 Ice cream (half cup) 14 gm
9 Salmon (85 gram) 14 gm
10 Mackerel (85 gram) 17 gm

How Much Fat Do You Need Daily?

You should consume 20–35% of your daily calories as fat. This equates to 44–78g of fat for people on a diet that contains 2000 calories. A high-fat diet does not pose a safety risk, although most medical experts advise limiting your daily calorie consumption to no more than 30–35% fat.

How to Treat and Prevent Fat Deficiency?

The daily consumption of essential fatty acids should be 2.7% of the total normal calorie requirement for children. Diseases caused due to fats deficiency can be treated by reversing the deficit and dietary EFAs.

Dietary fat is essential to carry out various biological processes in the body. The eighth edition of 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the consumption of 5 ounces of seeds and nuts per week.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Fat Deficiency?

Fixing a fat deficiency depends on the individual's specific situation, including the severity of the deficiency and the underlying causes. In general, incorporating healthy fats into your diet can address a deficiency fairly quickly, within weeks to months.

Sr. No. Duration Description
1 Immediate Action (Days to Weeks) Start incorporating healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish (like salmon), and flaxseeds.
Your healthcare provider may recommend specific supplements or medical interventions if the deficiency is severe or symptomatic.
2 Short-Term (Weeks to Months) Monitor your symptoms and overall health. Improvement in symptoms related to fat deficiency, such as dry skin or hair issues, may start to improve.
Continue to follow dietary recommendations and any prescribed supplements.
3 Long-Term (Months to Years) Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help ensure that your fat intake remains adequate and any underlying conditions contributing to the deficiency are managed effectively.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action tailored to your needs.

Who is at Risk of Fat Deficiency?

Several groups of people are at higher risk of fat deficiency, particularly essential fatty acid deficiency. These include:

Individuals with Malabsorption Disorders

Conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and pancreatic insufficiency can impair the absorption of fats and other nutrients.

Patients who have Undergone Colectomy

Removal of all or part of the colon (colectomy) can reduce the surface area available for nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies in fats and other nutrients.

Infants Fed with Formula Lacking Essential Fatty Acids

If infant formula does not contain sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), infants may be at risk of deficiency, especially if breastfeeding is not an option.

People with Severe Malnutrition or Eating Disorders

Individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other eating disorders may restrict their intake of fats and other essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies.

Individuals on Very Low-Fat Diets

Extremely low-fat diets, especially if not carefully planned to include sources of essential fatty acids, can result in inadequate intake of fats.

Patients on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

TPN provides intravenously nutrition and may not always include adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, putting patients at risk of deficiency if it's improperly balanced.

Certain Genetic Disorders

Rare genetic disorders affecting fat metabolism or absorption, such as abetalipoproteinemia or familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency, can lead to fat malabsorption and deficiency.

Individuals with Increased Nutrient Needs

During periods of rapid growth (e.g., infancy, adolescence) or pregnancy, there may be increased requirements for essential fatty acids, and deficiencies can occur if dietary intake is insufficient to meet these demands.

Vegetarians and Vegans

Although it's possible to obtain sufficient fats from plant-based sources (nuts, seeds, avocados), vegetarians and vegans may need to pay careful attention to ensure they consume adequate amounts of essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s.

Older Adults

Aging can sometimes affect nutrient absorption and dietary intake, putting older adults at risk of deficiencies if their diet does not include a variety of healthy fats.

It's important for individuals in these high-risk groups to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fat deficiency and to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be deficient. Working with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian/nutritionist can help ensure appropriate dietary strategies or supplementation to prevent deficiencies and promote overall health.

FAQs about Fat Deficiency