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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Arachidonic Acid-to-Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ratio

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AA / EPA

Description

"Arachidonic Acid-to-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (AA/EPA) Ratio" test measures the balance between inflammatory omega-6 and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in your blood. It helps assess inflammation levels and cardiovascular risk, especially when symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or autoimmune concerns are present. A high ratio may reflect excessive omega-6 intake or poor omega-3 status. Lower ratios are generally more favorable. This test guides dietary and supplement strategies to reduce inflammation and support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

"Arachidonic Acid-to-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (AA/EPA) Ratio" test measures the balance between inflammatory omega-6 and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in your blood. It helps assess inflammation levels and cardiovascular risk, especially when symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or autoimmune concerns are present. A high ratio may reflect excessive omega-6 intake or poor omega-3 status. Lower ratios are generally more favorable. This test guides dietary and supplement strategies to reduce inflammation and support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Test Category

Fatty Acids

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Plasma

Units

Ratio

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Omega Fatty Acid Group, Fatty Acid Group, Cognitive Health Group

Test Group Description

Cognitive Health Group: This group of tailored tests is aimed at evaluating cognitive function and assessing markers related to cognitive health, providing valuable insights for cognitive well-being and potential cognitive disorders. Fatty Acid Group: Evaluates fatty acid levels, offering insights into lipid metabolism and associated health conditions. Omega Fatty Acid Group: By evaluating the levels of essential omega fatty acids, this group provides insights into their presence and balance in the body, crucial for supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation regulation.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 1.0–1.5 R

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: < 5.8 R

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Alzheimer's disease (Neurodegenerative disorder)

  • Anxiety

  • Atherosclerosis (Buildup of plaque in arteries)

  • Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease)

  • Depression

  • Genetic factors

  • High omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in diet

  • Insulin r...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Inflammatory Balance: Evaluates the ratio to assess the body’s overall inflammatory state.

  • Cardiovascular Health: Assesses the omega-6 to omega-3 balance, influencing heart health and circulation.

  • Risk Assessment for Chronic Conditions: Higher ratios indicate increased inflammation and potential risk for chronic diseases.

  • Response to Omega-3 Supplementation: Tracks changes in the ratio to monitor the effectiveness of dietary interventions.


Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.
[2] Mori TA, Beilin LJ. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2004;6(6):461-467.
[3] Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):355-374.
[4] James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(1 Suppl):343S-348S.
[5] Harris WS, Von Schacky C. The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Prev Med.2004;39(1):212-220.
[6] Miles EA, Calder PC. Influence of marine n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immune function and a systematic review of the effect of EPA and DHA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;97(5):807-813.
[7] Cleland LG, Caughey GE, James MJ. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory diseases. Am J Clin Nutr.2006;83(6 Suppl):1505S-1519S.
[8] Oh DY, Talukdar S, Bae EJ, et al. GPR120 is an omega-3 fatty acid receptor mediating potent anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. Cell. 2010;142(5):687-698.
[9] Serhan CN, Chiang N, Van Dyke TE. Resolving inflammation: dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution lipid mediators. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008;8(5):349-361.
[10] Okuyama H, Kobayashi T, Watanabe S. Dietary fatty acids—The N-6/N-3 balance and chronic elderly diseases. Excess linoleic acid and relative N-3 deficiency syndrome seen in Japan. Prog Lipid Res. 1996;35(4):409-457.

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