Final answer:
The most significant symptom of essential fatty acid deficiency is a dry, scaly rash. Essential fatty acids are vital to health and must be obtained through diet to prevent such deficiencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most predominant clinical change seen with essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is a dry, scaly rash. Essential fatty acids, such as α-Linolenic acid and linoleic acid, are crucial for maintaining good health, as they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. Deficiency symptoms include various issues such as dry and scaly skin, poor wound healing, and an increased susceptibility to infections. It is important to include sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet to prevent these deficiencies, which can also lead to hair loss, vision problems, and lack of taste or smell.