What is the effect of managing biliary atresia with MCT oil predominantly without LCT formula?

• A. Essential fatty acid deficiency
• B. No effect
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Vitamin A toxicity

Answer: (A)

In biliary atresia, fat malabsorption is common due to reduced bile flow. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are absorbed directly into the portal circulation and don’t require bile salts, making them helpful for improving overall fat absorption in cholestasis. However, MCT oil lacks long-chain fatty acids, which include essential fatty acids needed for growth and skin health. If the diet relies predominantly on MCT without adding long-chain fats, essential fatty acids aren’t adequately supplied, leading to essential fatty acid deficiency. The other options don’t fit because this regimen does not typically cause no effect or hyperlipidemia, and it would not cause vitamin A toxicity in this context.