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Health library/Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Rare metabolic disorders / RARE CONDITION

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Also known as: ACADM deficiency, MCAD deficiency, MCADD, MCADH deficiency, Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency

MCAD deficiency reduces the body's ability to obtain energy from certain fats. Illness or periods without adequate intake can cause dangerously low glucose and other complications.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Low blood glucose
  • Seizures in a severe episode

Understanding care

Clinical care may include metabolic specialist care and a prescribed nutrition and illness-emergency plan. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Poor feeding, repeated vomiting or unusual drowsiness in a person at risk needs urgent medical assessment. Confusion, seizures, breathing changes or collapse is an emergency; use an existing prescribed illness plan.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

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LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency — First AID health library