Low or Reduced Fat Diet (Past or Present)

Low fat diets are a very good way to become deficient in essential fatty acids. This person needs to be assessed for essential fatty acid deficiency, and supplement them with the correct essential fatty acids and co-factors for optimal absorption and utilization. 

Lifestyle Changes
Avoid all sources of hydrogenated oils and deep fried foods, which rob the body of essential fatty acids.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing

Sunburn Easily or Suffer Sun Poisoning

Getting sunburned easily or suffering from sun poisoning, and easily fatigued muscles are a sign of essential fatty acid deficiency. Essential fatty acid deficiency is often due to a biliary dysfunction. leading to incomplete emulsification of fatty acids.

Other Indications
Deficient in fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E

Lifestyle Changes
Avoid all sources of hydrogenated fats and deep fried foods.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing.

Crave Fatty or Greasy Foods

Craving fatty, greasy food is a sign of essential fatty acid deficiency and a need for bile salts.

Lifestyle Changes
Avoid all sources of hydrogenated fats and deep fried foods.

Tension Headaches at Base of Skull - In Hot Sun

Tension headaches at the base of the skull and headaches when out in the hot sun are symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency. Obviously, it is important to assess the most likely causes first.  For instance, chronic tension headaches need to be assesses for correc structural alignment, and the workplace needs to be looked into to make sure the ergnomics and work position are not putting too much stress on you.

Essential fatty acid deficiency is often dues to a biliary dysfunction, leading to incomplete emulsification of fatty acids, and is often accompanied by a mineral deficiency, especially calcium.


Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing

Dry Flaky Skin and / or Dandruff

Dry, flaky skin is one of the first indications of an essential fatty acid deficiency. It is important to ask whether or not you are using hydrating lotions. Many people take it for granted that they need to use moisturizing lotions in order to have moist skin.

Essential fatty acids is often due to a biliary dysfunction, leading to incomplete emulsification of fatty acids, and is often accompanied by a mineral deficiency, especially calcium.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid all sources of hydrogenated fats and deep fried foods.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing