Final answer:
In CF patients, the true statement regarding EFAD is that those without pancreatic insufficiency rarely develop it, as EFAs like omega-3 and omega-6 must be obtained through diet due to the body's inability to synthesize them. Routine omega-3 supplementation is suggested, and EFA profiles can improve post-lung transplant. The correct option is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the statement about essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) that is true is that CF patients without pancreatic insufficiency rarely develop EFAD. In other words, the presence of pancreatic insufficiency in CF patients is a risk factor for EFAD.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, must be supplied by the diet because the body cannot synthesize them. These include alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which are necessary for good health and must be included in the diet.
Moreover, the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to long-chain unsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is inefficient, thus dietary inclusion of these is recommended. In the context of CF, routine supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids is suggested but not necessarily 'essential'.
EFAD might not manifest until later in life for CF patients, but this varies. Lastly, the improvement of EFA profiles after lung transplantation in CF patients has been observed but is not universally true. The correct option is 3.