EFA Deficiency Symptoms
Of special note: a tell-tale sign of a possible omega-3 deficiency is “chicken skin” (called keratosis pilaris or follicular keratosis) – bumpy, rough skin. on the tops of the arms (also found on face, cheeks, torso and tops of legs). Occurs as a result of build-up of hard, dry skin around hair follicles. However, not all “chicken skin” is due to an O3 deficiency.
| Linoleic acid (LA) Deficiency Symptoms |
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Deficiency Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Growth retardation | Growth retardation |
| Excessive sweating accompanied by thirst | Impairment of vision and sense of smell |
| Liver and kidney deterioration | Weakness / Fatigue |
| Wound healing failure | Motor in-coordination |
| Heart and circulatory problems | Tingling sensations in arms and legs |
| Drying up of glands, dry eyes and mouth | Edema |
| Behavioral changes | Heart disease |
| Male sterility / impotence | High Cholesterol and Triglycerides |
| Miscarriage | High Blood Pressure |
| Arthritis-like conditions | Sticky Platelets |
| Decreased immunity | Tissue Inflammation |
| Decreased T-cell production | Kidney dysfunction |
| Susceptibility to infections (Excess also causes decreased immunity by destroying white blood cells) | Mental Deterioration |
| Loss of hair | Violent tendencies |
| Eczema-like skin eruptions | Emotional agitation |
| Inability to concentrate | |
| Depression | |
| Learning Disorders | |
| Mood swings | |
| Low metabolic rate | |
| Some immune dysfunction | |
| Arthritis / Joint Pain | |
| Asthma, allergies | |
| Soft, brittle, flaking nails | |
| Dry, dull, brittle hair | |
| Dry skin, dandruff, Scaly dermatitis,acne | |
| Increased weight | |
| Omega-6 DGLA Deficiency symptoms (GLA /DGLA decreases during Illness) |
Omega-3 EPA/DHA Deficiency symptoms |
| Skin problems | Fatigue |
| PMS | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| M.S. | Migraine |
| Excessive thirst | Depression |
| Miscarriage | Learning disorders |
| Impotence | Growth retardation |
| Cradle Cap | Skin problems |
| CFS | Sterility |
| Weak Nails | Gastro-Intestinal Disorders |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Schizophrenia |
| Diabetes | Vision impairment |
| Weak Immune System | Behavioral changes |
| Viral Infection | Weak Immune System |
| Poor circulation | Asthma |
| Allergies | Heart and Circulatory problems |
| Hair loss | ADHD |
| Behavioral changes | Motor in-coordination |
| Sjogren’s Syndrome (Dry eyes/mouth) | |
| Impaired glandular function | |
| Kidney/liver Degeneration | |
| Slow growth/wound healing | |
| Reduced sperm motility |
