Final answer:
An adult male patient should receive 5-10% of total energy per day as essential fatty acids to prevent deficiency, according to dietary guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent fatty acid deficiency in an adult male patient, the correct percentage of total energy per day as essential fatty acids should be in the range of 5-10%. This is in line with the guidelines which recommend a daily intake of unsaturated fats at around 20% of total daily calories. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid), must be obtained through the diet since the body cannot synthesize them. Despite the ability to convert these into other fatty acids, it is important to intake them directly from dietary sources. The average diet should include about 4–6 grams of essential fatty acids to ensure proper growth, development, and efficient metabolism of cholesterol.