Fat Status

Background: The Role of Fats in Health

Dietary fats exist in several forms:

• Triglycerides: Primary form of fat storage and transport
  
• Phospholipids: Key components of cell membranes
  
• Sterols (e.g., cholesterol): Essential for hormone synthesis
  
  

Fats support:

• Energy storage and utilization
  
• Cell membrane integrity
  
• Steroid hormone and bile acid synthesis
  
• Fat-soluble vitamin absorption (A, D, E, K)
  
• Inflammatory modulation via essential fatty acids (EFAs)
  
  

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids must be obtained through the diet to regulate inflammation, brain function, immune activity, and vascular health.

Clinical Presentation: Signs of Fat Status Imbalance

Symptoms of fat malabsorption and EFA deficiency may include:

• Steatorrhea (oily stools)
  
• Dry, scaly skin and brittle nails
  
• Chronic fatigue or muscle weakness
  
• Cognitive dysfunction or mood swings
  
• Visual disturbances
  
• Frequent infections
  
  

Such signs warrant investigation into digestive, hepatic, and nutritional health.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Functional Medicine Approach

1. Stool Analysis:

• Fecal fat testing to measure malabsorption.
  
  

2. Blood Testing:

• Essential Fatty Acid Profile: Assess omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
  
• Lipid Panel: Evaluates total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
  
• Fat-Soluble Vitamin Levels: Serum A, D, E, and K levels.
  
• Liver Function Tests: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase.
• Pancreatic Enzymes: Amylase and lipase levels.

Contributing Factors to Impaired Fat Status

Key contributors include:

• Pancreatic insufficiency
  
• Liver and gallbladder dysfunction
  
• Intestinal disorders like celiac disease
  
• Low intake of healthy fats
  
• Bariatric or intestinal surgery

Clinical Implications of Fat Malabsorption and EFA Deficiency

Fat status imbalance is associated with:

• Nutritional deficiencies
  
• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Cognitive and mood disorders
  
• Dermatologic and immune disorders
  
• Chronic digestive conditions

Interfering Factors and Clinical Considerations

Factors affecting interpretation:

• Recent dietary fat intake
  
• Alcohol use
  
• Medication effects (e.g., statins, orlistat)
  
• Fasting or malnutrition

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

Our strategies include:

1. Dietary Strategy:

• Increase healthy fat intake (cold-water fish, seeds, olive oil)
  
• Reduce refined seed oils and processed foods
  
  

2. Digestive Support:

• Digestive enzymes (lipase, bile acids)
  
• Bitters and bile flow enhancers
  
• Microbiome support with probiotics
  
  

3. Nutritional Repletion:

• Omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA)
  
• Fat-soluble vitamin correction
  
• Liposomal forms if absorption is impaired
  
  

4. Address Underlying Disease:

• Pancreatic, hepatic, or gastrointestinal co-management
  
  

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Reassess fatty acid profiles and vitamin levels at 8–12 weeks

Conclusion

Fat status is foundational to maintaining metabolic, neurological, and immune health. Unrecognized fat malabsorption or essential fatty acid imbalance can lead to significant nutrient deficiencies and chronic disease development. Early evaluation and personalized intervention allow for restoration of nutritional sufficiency, reduction in inflammation, and improved systemic resilience.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine nurse practitioner facilitates early identification of fat digestion and essential fatty acid imbalances. By integrating IV therapy and peptide therapy, we help patients optimize metabolic and cellular health. Contact us at 904-799-2531 or schedule online to begin your comprehensive fat status evaluation.