Deficiency of essential fatty acids produces

Options

A. Follicular hyperkeratosis
B. Kwashiorkor
C. Marasmus
D. Sicklemia

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Essential Fatty Acids**: Essential fatty acids are crucial for the body and include arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid. They play vital roles in maintaining energy levels, skin health, and overall physiological functions.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The question provides four options: follicular hyperkeratosis, kwashiorkor, merismus, and sickleemia. We need to determine which condition is caused by a deficiency of essential fatty acids.

3. **Analyzing Follicular Hyperkeratosis**: This condition is characterized by an excess of keratin in hair follicles, leading to rough, bumpy skin. It is linked to a deficiency in essential fatty acids, as these fatty acids are important for skin health.

4. **Evaluating Kwashiorkor**: Kwashiorkor is primarily a result of protein deficiency, not essential fatty acid deficiency. It leads to symptoms like swelling and stunted growth, making it an incorrect option.

5. **Assessing Merismus**: Merismus refers to a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. It is not directly related to essential fatty acid deficiency, hence it is also an incorrect option.

6. **Considering Sickleemia**: Sickleemia, or sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, leading to abnormal shapes and reduced hemoglobin. This condition is unrelated to dietary deficiencies, making it an incorrect choice.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that the deficiency of essential fatty acids produces **follicular hyperkeratosis**.

---