Arachidonic Acid details
What Arachidonic Acid shows
Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in meat, eggs and dairy, and your body can also make it from linoleic acid in vegetable oils. It is built into the membranes of your cells and is used to make signalling molecules that help control inflammation, blood clotting and blood vessel tone. This test measures arachidonic acid in whole blood as a percentage of the fatty acids present, giving a picture of your longer-term fatty acid balance. A higher level reflects more omega-6 in your cells and a lower level less, and neither is a concern by itself. It is most useful read alongside the omega-3 results and the AA/EPA ratio.
Tests that include Arachidonic Acid
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.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist