[Essential fatty acid deficiency in enteral nutrition].

A case is presented of a 57-year-old patient who developed a clinical picture compatible with linoleic acid deficit while on a diet with 6.4 g of this fatty acid (2.8% of total calories). The factors involved in essential fatty acid requirements, and the need of some patients for up to 50 g of linoleic acid in order to reach normal serum levels are discussed. It was concluded that some commercial diets should be supplemented with additional linoleic acid.