Problems that can occur in our body when fat is lacking

Decreased vitamin absorption

Fats provide energy to our body, assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and are necessary for normal growth, so it is important to consume an appropriate amount. Insufficient fat intake can hinder the absorption of these vitamins, leading to vitamin deficiencies that may cause vision impairment, deterioration of bone health, and decreased immunity.

Dermatitis as well as growth retardation

Deficiency of fats mainly occurs when fat intake is insufficient or in patients with poor fat absorption. When fats are deficient, growth may be delayed, and dermatitis can occur. If linoleic acid (omega-6), an essential fatty acid that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet, is lacking, infants may experience growth retardation and dermatitis, while children may develop neurological disorders.

In addition, a deficiency in DHA (Omega-3) can lead to impaired brain development, decreased vision, muscle weakness, and sensory dysfunction. Furthermore, prolonged deficiency of fatty acids reduces the synthesis of substances that prevent arteriosclerosis and inflammation-related diseases, increasing the risk of developing such conditions.

Vulnerable to blood sugar control

Fat helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. When blood sugar rises rapidly after carbohydrate intake, insulin secretion increases, which then sharply lowers blood sugar, leading to fatigue and decreased energy. Additionally, if the body's fat stores are insufficient, the remaining glucose stored in muscles and the liver enters the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels. Fat that cannot be stored in the body and floats in the blood can move to liver cells, potentially causing fatty liver, so proper intake is important.

Managing cardiovascular disease is difficult

The type of fat we consume is closely related to the types of cholesterol that increase in the blood and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. For example, consuming bad fats increases LDL cholesterol, leading to the accumulation of fat and cholesterol on the blood vessel walls. On the other hand, consuming good fats raises HDL cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from the blood vessel walls.

In other words, the lower the bad LDL cholesterol levels and the higher the good HDL cholesterol levels, the lower the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Therefore, to prevent these diseases, it is very important to reduce the intake of bad fats and instead increase the intake of good fats.