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]
What are the signs and symptoms of alpha-linolenic acid deficiency?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency is uncommon in the U.S., but when it occurs, it can cause dry, scaly skin, vision problems, and neuropathy. Impaired learning abilities have been observed in rodent models of ALA deficiency, though this has not been documented in humans.