How to Identify an Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

Fatigue is a common symptom of an essential fatty acid deficiency.

As Americans obsess over dieting and consuming less fat, they inadvertently cut the good fat out of their diet as well. Nutritionists estimate that as many as 80 percent of Americans have some deficiency in essential fatty acids. To protect your health, it’s important to know what the good fats do and how to know if you’re not getting enough.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pay attention to those achy popping joints. Essential fatty acids provide lubrication and help your body retain a healthy moisture level. When you’re deficient, your joints can ache and your hair, fingernails and toenails may become dry and brittle.

2. Make a note of irregular bowel movements and a tendency towards constipation. As the correct level of essential fatty acids drops, you may find yourself constipated with a tendency to pass gas. Bloating is also frequently present.

3. Take your blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a symptom of an inadequate level of essential fatty acids; however, high blood pressure is also a symptom of many other medical conditions so consult your doctor to rule out other causes.

4. Notice if you experience an inability to concentrate when you’re on a low-fat diet. Essential fatty acids are an important part of brain function. You may exhibit forgetfulness and a lack of mental energy.

5. Monitor your motivation and endurance levels. When your body is deficient in essential fatty acids, you may feel tired and fatigued, unable to summon the energy to complete daily tasks.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase your consumption of good fats by eating raw nuts, seeds and fish. Take a supplemental fish oil capsule or a cod liver capsule daily. In addition, consider taking Vitamin A and Vitamin E, if you’re on a diet that restricts fats.

• Consult your doctor before starting on any radical diet. He can monitor your blood and determine if you're endangering your health.