Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) details
What Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) shows
Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in oily fish, seafood and fish or algal oil supplements. The body makes only small amounts from plant omega-3s such as those in flaxseed. EPA is used to make signalling molecules that help regulate inflammation, and it is linked with heart health. This test measures EPA in whole blood, reported as a percentage of total fatty acids, as part of an omega-3 and omega-6 profile. A lower level generally reflects low intake of omega-3-rich foods. It is interpreted alongside DHA, DPA and the omega-6 results.
Tests that include Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
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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