What percentage of total calories as fat is considered sufficient to prevent EFAD?

• A. 0-1%
• B. 2-4%
• C. 5-10%
• D. 10-20%

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acids must provide a small but steady portion of total energy to keep EFAD from developing. The threshold most often cited to prevent EFAD is about 2-4% of total calories coming from fat, specifically from essential fatty acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. When the intake falls below this level, signs of EFAD can appear, such as scaly dermatitis, alopecia, and impaired wound healing. In practical terms, for a typical 2000 kcal/day plan, that means roughly 40-80 kcal from essential fatty acids daily (about 4-9 g of EFAs), delivered through the fat component of the nutrition regimen. Providing less than this increases EFAD risk, while meeting or exceeding it helps prevent deficiency.