ABSTRACT
Dermatological changes were observed in patients on the fat-free total parenteral nutrition preparation for only 3 weeks, however, biochemical evidence of an essential fatty acid deficiency exists long before the development of the scaly dermatitis. Infants at birth have low essential fatty acid levels and, hence, are more prone to an essential fatty acids deficiency. Fatty acids are usually analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography procedures and by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are considered the essential fatty acids. The occurrence of essential fatty acid deficiency associated with total parenteral nutrition has been alleviated with the use of commercial clinical nutrition preparations that provide the essential fatty acids. Linoleic and linolenic acids are considered essential and must be obtained from the diet. A deficiency in linoleic acid and arachidonic acid is often associated with protein-energy malnutrition in children, infants, and malnourished elderly patients.
