Question

Deficiency of fats in the diet can lead to:
A. Overweight
B. Reduced work efficiency
C. Deficiency of Vitamin A, D, E and K
D. Deficiency of B‐complex Vitamins
E. Underweight
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and C only
• B. A, C and D only
• C. C, D and E only
• D. B, C and E only

Hint:

To ensure optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), meals should contain at least 3 to 5 grams of dietary fat per portion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dietary lipids (fats) are essential macronutrients that serve as a concentrated source of energy, provide structural components for cell membranes, and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble micronutrients.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the metabolic consequences of dietary fat deficiency:
Underweight (E) and Reduced Work Efficiency (B): Fats are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing \(9\text{ kcal/g}\) compared to \(4\text{ kcal/g}\) from carbohydrates and proteins.
A prolonged deficiency of dietary fat reduces total energy intake, leading to weight loss (underweight) and a lack of metabolic energy reserves, which reduces work efficiency.
Deficiency of Vitamins A, D, E, and K (C): These four vitamins are hydrophobic and fat-soluble.
Their digestion, absorption, and transport in the lymphatic system require micelle formation, which depends on the presence of dietary lipids and bile salts in the small intestine.
A fat-deficient diet impairs the absorption of these vitamins, causing systemic deficiencies (such as night blindness from Vitamin A deficiency or impaired blood clotting from Vitamin K deficiency).
B-complex Vitamins (D): These are water-soluble vitamins whose absorption is independent of dietary fat.
Therefore, fat deficiency leads to B, C, and E, rather than A or D.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Dietary fat deficiency can lead to reduced work efficiency, deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and underweight (B, C and E only).