What are the signs and symptoms of alpha-linolenic acid deficiency?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    ALA is an essential fatty acid that must be consumed in adequate amounts to prevent deficiency. In the United States, the majority of adults meet or exceed the recommended adequate intake of ALA, and deficiency is uncommon.[1][2] When deficiency does occur, it may lead to dry, scaly skin, vision problems, and neuropathy.[3][4] In rodent models of ALA deficiency, impaired learning abilities have been observed, but this hasn’t been found in humans.[5]