You are examining a 27-year-old female adult who presents with redness of the skin, swelling, itching, and skin lesions, several of which are oozing pus. In addition the patient complains that a bad scrape, suffered in a fall from a bike, has not properly healed even though the injury occurred several weeks ago. Patient history indicates that she started on a fat-free diet 10 months ago. Which of the following is most likely deficient in her diet leading to her current physical condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet. A deficiency can lead to poor wound healing, skin issues, and other symptoms as described in the scenario.  Linoleic is an essential fatty acid in that it must be acquired in the diet. Linoleic acid is especially important in that it required for the synthesis of arachidonic acid. Arachidonate is a precursor for the eicosanoids (the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes). It is this role of linoleic acid in eicosanoid synthesis that leads to poor growth, wound healing, and dermatitis in persons on fat-free diets

You Are Examining a 27-Year-Old Female Adult Who Presents with Redness