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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Dihomogamma Linolenic Acid

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DGLA

Description

"Dihomogamma Linolenic Acid" (DGLA) test measures the level of this omega-6 fatty acid in your blood. It plays a key role in regulating inflammation and supporting hormone balance. Doctors may use this test when symptoms like joint pain, chronic fatigue, or persistent inflammation are present. Low levels may point to nutritional deficiencies or fatty acid metabolism issues. Elevated levels can reflect excessive omega-6 intake. This test helps identify imbalances and supports treatment planning for inflammation and metabolic function.

"Dihomogamma Linolenic Acid" (DGLA) test measures the level of this omega-6 fatty acid in your blood. It plays a key role in regulating inflammation and supporting hormone balance. Doctors may use this test when symptoms like joint pain, chronic fatigue, or persistent inflammation are present. Low levels may point to nutritional deficiencies or fatty acid metabolism issues. Elevated levels can reflect excessive omega-6 intake. This test helps identify imbalances and supports treatment planning for inflammation and metabolic function.

Test Category

Fatty Acids

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Whole Blood

Units

Percentage

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Fatty Acid Group

Test Group Description

Fatty Acid Group: Evaluates fatty acid levels, offering insights into lipid metabolism and associated health conditions.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: Not Applicable

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 1.20–4.00 %

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

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

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Essential fatty acid deficiency (lack of essential fatty acids in the diet)

  • Genetic factors (inherited traits affecting DGLA metabolism and synthesis)

  • High dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract)

  • Prostaglandin E1 deficiency

  • ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Fatty Acid Metabolism: Evaluates the conversion of linoleic acid to DGLA, a vital precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds.

  • Inflammation Regulation: Examines DGLA’s role in reducing inflammation and supporting immune health.

  • Inflammatory Disorders: Assists in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and related conditions.

  • Nutritional Status: Identifies imbalances or deficiencies in essent...

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] Nilsen DWT, Myhre PL, Kalstad A, Schmidt EB, Arnesen H, Seljeflot I. Serum levels of dihomo-gamma (γ)-linolenic acid (DGLA) are inversely associated with linoleic acid and total death in elderly patients with a recent myocardial infarction. Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3475.
[2] Das UN. Essential fatty acids and their metabolites as modulators of the immune response and inflammation. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001;49:255-263.
[3] Johnson MM, Swan DD, Surette ME, et al. Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid alters fatty acid content and eicosanoid production in healthy humans. J Nutr. 1997;127(8):1435-1444.
[4] Phang M, Lazarus S, Wood LG, Garg ML. Diets rich in alpha-linolenic acid or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid have anti-inflammatory effects through differences in cytokine production in healthy men. J Nutr Biochem. 2013;24(10):1666-1671.
[5] Salem N Jr, Pawlosky R, Wegher B, Hibbeln J. In vivo conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in human adults. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1999;60(5-6):407-410.
[6] Fan YY, Chapkin RS. Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in human health and nutrition. J Nutr.1998;128(9):1411-1414.
[7] Calder PC. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: new twists in an old tale. Biochimie.2009;91(6):791-795.
[8] Nakamura MT, Nara TY. Structure, function, and dietary regulation of delta6, delta5, and delta9 desaturases. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:345-376.
[9] Miller A, Shapiro H, Dinarello CA, et al. Oral administration of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid in humans elevates serum dihomogamma-linolenic acid and suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. J Nutr. 1998;128(3):614-619.
[10] Surette ME, Edens MB, Chilton FH, Tramposch KM. Dietary echium oil increases plasma and neutrophil long-chain (n-3) fatty acids and lowers serum triacylglycerols in hypertriglyceridemic humans. J Nutr. 2004;134(6):1406-1411.

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