6.7 RDA for EFAs
Description
This article is from the Fat-free Diet FAQ, by artemis@rahul.net (Michelle Dick) with numerous contributions by others.
6.7 RDA for EFAs
No Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for either essential fatty
acid have been established, primarily because essential fatty acid
deficiency has been observed exlcusively in patients with medical
problems affecting fat intake or absorption. However, the human
requirement for linoleic acid has been estimated to be
approximately 1 to 2% of the total energy intake (2.7% for
infants). This level is generally more than met in varied diets
since fats from vegetables are particularly rich sources of
linoleic acid. It has been proposed that omega-3 fatty acids should
be equal to 10 to 25% of the linoleic acid intake (or 0.1 to 0.5%
of total energy intake) particularly during pregnancy, lactation,
and infancy. -- Food and Nutrition Board 1989
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