Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency
What Does It Mean?
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) Deficiency occurs when the body lacks adequate amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are critical for cellular function, brain health, cardiovascular integrity, and inflammation regulation. Functional Medicine approaches EFA deficiency by identifying the root causes, such as poor dietary intake, impaired digestion, or increased oxidative stress, and addressing them with targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Poor Dietary Intake – Insufficient consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from foods such as fish, flaxseeds, and nuts.
- Impaired Fat Absorption – Digestive disorders, low bile production, or gut inflammation can hinder fat digestion and absorption.
- High Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio – Excess processed food consumption leads to an imbalance in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fatty acids.
- Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – Increased free radicals and systemic inflammation contribute to fatty acid depletion.
- Genetic Factors – Some individuals have reduced enzymatic conversion of precursor fatty acids (e.g., inefficient delta-6 desaturase activity).
Signs & Symptoms:
- Dry, flaky skin and brittle nails
- Cognitive impairment, mood swings, and depression
- Increased inflammation and joint pain
- Slow wound healing and immune dysfunction
- Poor circulation and cardiovascular concerns
- Hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities
Lab Test Findings
(Note: Additional lab tests may be referenced for a comprehensive evaluation.)
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Altered | 45.00-100.00IU/L |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Calcium | Altered | 8.90-9.50 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Increased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Increased | 10.00-30.00 IU/L |
| LDL Cholesterol Direct | Increased | 80.00-99.99 mg/dL |
| Omegacheck (EPA+DPA+DHA) | Decreased | 5.4-50 % |
| Triglycerides, Serum | Increased | 70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Decreased | 57.00-66.00 ug/dL |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Decreased | 1.30-4.00 mg/dL |
| Vitamin E (Tocopherol) | Decreased | 10.0-15.0 mg/dL |
| Vitamin K1 | Altered | 500-1300 pg/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
A Functional Medicine approach focuses on restoring essential fatty acid balance, improving fat digestion, and reducing oxidative stress to correct EFA deficiency.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Glucose | Supports blood sugar regulation and metabolic function | 2 capsules without food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial energy and cardiovascular health | 3 capsules with food, daily |
| V-PAX | Supports neurotransmitter balance and cognitive function | 2 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Omega-3 Intake: Consume wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Reduce Omega-6 Excess: Avoid processed vegetable oils and fried foods that disrupt fatty acid balance.
- Support Digestion & Absorption: Optimize gut health with digestive enzymes and bile-supportive nutrients.
- Minimize Inflammation: Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods and antioxidants.
- Hydration & Circulation: Maintain adequate hydration and engage in regular physical activity for cardiovascular health.