Deficiency of essential fatty acids in the diet leads to this skin-related disorder/disease–

Correct option is C

Option (a): Incorrect
• Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder linked to insulin dysfunction.
• It is not associated with essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency.
Option (b): Incorrect
• Hypertension is linked to salt intake, obesity, lifestyle and not related to deficiency of EFAs.
Option (c): Correct
• Phrynoderma, also known as toad skin, is a follicular hyperkeratosis condition.
• It is classically associated with deficiency of essential fatty acids (linoleic & linolenic acid) and sometimes vitamin A.
• Symptoms include rough, dry skin with papular eruptions—seen especially in malnourished populations.
Option (d): Incorrect
• Lactose intolerance results from deficiency of lactase enzyme and has no link to EFAs.