Requirements of Lipids(Fats) and Effects of Deficiency

LIPID or OIL or FATS

Lipids more commonly known as fats and oil, are integral part of our food. They are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They occur in both plant and animals. Lipids are a concentrated source of energy.

Requirements

The ICMR recommended allowances for fat for Indians is given in table 19A.

The ICMR recommended allowances for fat.

Group        Fat g/day

Adult man  20

Adult woman       20

Pregnant woman  30

Lactating woman  45

Children (1-9 yrs)         25

Children (10-18 yrs)     22

Effects of Deficiency:

Deficiency of fat in the diet causes the deficiency of essential fatty acids. Deficiency of essential fatty acids leads to cessation of growth.

It also results in flaky skin, development of itchy sores on the scalp. The common disorder in adults and children in India is phrynoderma or toad skin.

The condition is characterized by the presence of horny eruptions on the posterior and lateral aspects of the limbs on the back and buttocks.

Phrynoderma is cured rapidly by the administration of linseed or safflower seed oil rich in EFA.

Infants fed on a EFA deficient diet develop irritation and changes in the skin with in a few weeks. The skin changes appear as dryness and desquamation with oozing in the folds.

Diarrhoea may also occur, supplementation of the diet with linoleic acid helps to restore the skin to normal condition.