Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio details
What Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio shows
The arachidonic acid/EPA ratio is calculated by dividing your whole-blood level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, by your level of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in oily fish and fish oil. AA tends to be used to make signalling molecules that promote inflammation, while EPA tends to produce ones that are less inflammatory. The ratio gives a simple picture of the balance between the two in your cells. A higher ratio points to relatively more omega-6 than omega-3, often reflecting low intake of oily fish, while a lower ratio reflects more EPA. It is a general nutrition marker, read alongside the other omega-3 and omega-6 results.
Tests that include Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio
This test is designed for individuals who may have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, or are at high risk for heart or metabolic diseases. It helps in assessing the risk and managing the conditions effectively.
- Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio A ratio calculated from arachidonic acid and EPA in whole blood, comparing an omega-6 fatty acid with an omega-3, used to gauge fatty acid balance.
- Arachidonic Acid Measures arachidonic acid in whole blood, an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to make signalling molecules involved in inflammation.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Measures DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid from fish and seafood, as a percentage of total fatty acids in whole blood.
- Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) Measures DPA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid between EPA and DHA, as a percentage of total fatty acids in whole blood.
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Measures EPA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid from fish and seafood, as a percentage of total fatty acids in whole blood.
- Omega-3 Total (EPA + DPA + DHA) The combined level of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA in whole blood, used to estimate your overall long-chain omega-3 status.
- Linoleic Acid Linoleic acid, the main omega-6 essential fatty acid, measured in whole blood as part of OmegaCheck to look at your dietary fat balance.
- Omega 3 Total Measures the combined omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA, DPA and DHA, in your blood as a percentage of total fatty acids, reflecting omega-3 intake.
- Omega 6/Omega 3 Ratio A ratio calculated from your blood omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid totals, showing the balance between these two groups of essential fats.
- Omega 6, Total Measures the combined omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic and arachidonic acid, in your blood as a percentage of total fatty acids.
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