Q: I’ve been on a very low fat diet. I’ve lost weight but my skin and hair have really deteriorated – dry & flaky. My nails are terrible. I read online that this can mean I need more “essential fatty acids,” but it’s confusing – omega-3, omega-6, omega-9? Are there tests or guidelines for this?

A: Essential fatty acids (for example, the kind of fats found in fish) are surprisingly commonly deficient. Among other things, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are responsible for the health of our skin, hair and nails. When deficient in these fats the health of our skin/hair/nails suffers, acting as a general indicator… [more]