What Are The Effects Of Fat Deficiencies In Humans?

Most people believe that a healthy diet should be low in fat, but data from the Women's Health Initiative study actually show no benefits of low-fat diets on heart disease, stroke and some cancers. If you, like many health-conscious consumers, choose low-fat, fat-free or reduced-fat products over the regular versions, your body could become deficient in fat. The effects of a lack of fat in your diet can impact your whole body.

Fat-soluble Vitamins and Antioxidants

If you do not eat enough fat, your body won't be able to absorb properly some of the important fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants it needs for optimal health. Vitamins A, including beta-carotene, D, E and K are the main fat-soluble vitamins, and both vitamins A and E have antioxidant properties. A deficiency in vitamin A and beta-carotene can lead to poor vision at night, diarrhea and infections, while a lack of vitamin D can cause bone diseases, such as rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. A vitamin E deficiency is rare, but not getting enough could make it more difficult for you body to protect itself against the damage of free radicals, which cause aging, cancers and heart diseases. Finally, a vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding.

Mood

A low-fat and low-cholesterol diet can create deficiencies and is associated with increased rates of depression and suicide, according to Psychology Today. Fat is required to synthesize different hormones and neurotransmitters in your body. Although the mechanism is not clearly understood yet, it seems that serotonin would be involved because it helps decrease aggressiveness and improve social behaviors. Low-fat diets can cause a dysfunction in the way your serotonin works.

Brain Function

Your brain is mostly made of fat, and a deficiency in fats could alter your brain function. The omega-3 fats called DHA and EPA, which are mainly found in fish, are essential for the proper transmission of brain signals. A lack of these fats could lead to difficulty concentrating and learning. The effect of an omega-3 deficiency can be very detrimental if it happens when a fetus or a child is developing and growing; omega-3-deficient children might not be able to reach their full potential.

Metabolic Syndrome

Another problem associated with low-fat diets is their high carb content. If your diet is lacking in fat, this deficiency probably means that your are consuming too many carbohydrates from low-fat, high-carb foods. If you are sensitive to carbs, you are more likely to gain weight and develop insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Eating fewer carbs and more fats could help your body works better by facilitating weight loss, improving your insulin sensitivity and decreasing your risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes or heart problems, according to the November 2005 report of ScienceDaily.com.