Screening for essential fatty acid deficiency in at risk infants

SummaryEssential fatty acids are critical during the initial years of infancy and are necessary for brain development, visual maturity, and cardiovascular health. Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) develops where there is inadequate status of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. This paper raises the idea and question of whether screening for EFAD in at risk infants is beneficial and assesses the efficacy of introducing this as a preventative clinical measure. The introduction of the screening program is analysed against the criteria outlined by the UK National Screening Committee. Screening to detect EFAD in at risk infants satisfies many of the criteria proposed by the UK screening committee, including condition assessed, accepted screening tests, and screening program fundamentals. While a range of benefits are reported in the treatment of fatty acid deficiencies, several areas require further investigation prior to establishment. Hence, a trial screening program is proposed to more fully analyse the cost-benefits.