EFAD leads to which two outcomes?

• A. Poor growth and poor pulmonary status
• B. Weight gain and improved pulmonary function
• C. Normal growth and stable lungs
• D. Increased appetite and energy

Answer: (A)

Essential fatty acids are required for normal growth and lung function, including surfactant composition. When essential fatty acid deficiency occurs, growth slows because membrane synthesis and signaling needed for development are impaired. The lungs are affected as surfactant lipids and alveolar cell membranes rely on these fatty acids, leading to poorer pulmonary status. Thus EFAD tends to produce poor growth and poor pulmonary status. Options mentioning weight gain, normal growth, stable lungs, or increased appetite reflect adequate or unrelated states and don’t fit EFAD.