American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Essential fatty acid deficiency can lead to which of the following symptoms?

1. Neuropathy

2. Hair loss and dermatitis

3. Pancytopenia

4. Cognitive decline

The correct answer is: Hair loss and dermatitis

Essential fatty acid deficiency can lead to hair loss and dermatitis due to the crucial role that fatty acids play in maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes, as well as skin health. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are needed for the production of lipid bilayers within skin cells, which helps to maintain moisture and overall skin integrity. When there is a deficiency, the skin barrier can become compromised, contributing to dermatitis, which may present as dry, flaky skin and inflammation. Similarly, hair follicles rely on sufficient fatty acids for healthy growth, and a lack of these nutrients can result in hair loss. In contrast, other symptoms such as neuropathy, pancytopenia, and cognitive decline are more closely associated with other types of nutrient deficiencies or specific pathological conditions, rather than being direct results of essential fatty acid deficiency. These alternative symptoms involve different mechanisms and nutritional factors, illustrating why hair loss and dermatitis are the primary indicators of this particular deficiency.