Which statement about essential fatty acids and CF status testing is accurate?

Which statement about essential fatty acids and CF status testing is accurate?

• A. Triene:tetraene ratio is used to assess EFA status
• B. Serum glucose is used to assess EFA status
• C. Creatinine clearance is used to assess EFA status
• D. Serum albumin is used to assess EFA status

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that essential fatty acid status is best assessed by a fatty acid profile, specifically the ratio of Mead acid (a triene, 20:3 n-9) to arachidonic acid (a tetraene, 20:4 n-6). When essential fatty acids are deficient, the body increases Mead acid production, raising the triene:tetraene ratio. This makes the ratio a sensitive indicator of essential fatty acid deficiency, which is particularly relevant in conditions like cystic fibrosis where fat malabsorption can occur. The other measures listed don’t directly reflect essential fatty acid status. Serum glucose tracks glycemic control, not fatty acid balance. Creatinine clearance relates to kidney function and clearance of creatinine, not EFAs. Serum albumin reflects overall protein status and inflammation more than fatty acid status, so it isn’t a specific measure of EFAD.

The key idea is that essential fatty acid status is best assessed by a fatty acid profile, specifically the ratio of Mead acid (a triene, 20:3 n-9) to arachidonic acid (a tetraene, 20:4 n-6). When essential fatty acids are deficient, the body increases Mead acid production, raising the triene:tetraene ratio. This makes the ratio a sensitive indicator of essential fatty acid deficiency, which is particularly relevant in conditions like cystic fibrosis where fat malabsorption can occur.

The other measures listed don’t directly reflect essential fatty acid status. Serum glucose tracks glycemic control, not fatty acid balance. Creatinine clearance relates to kidney function and clearance of creatinine, not EFAs. Serum albumin reflects overall protein status and inflammation more than fatty acid status, so it isn’t a specific measure of EFAD.