Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA
Description
"Docosahexaenoic Acid" (DHA) test measures the level of this long-chain omega-3 fatty acid in your blood to evaluate brain function, inflammation control, and visual health. Doctors may recommend this test for individuals with cognitive symptoms, cardiovascular risk, or dry eyes. Low DHA levels often point to poor dietary intake or absorption issues. Elevated levels may reflect excessive supplementation. Results help guide targeted adjustments in nutrition or supplements. This test supports ongoing care for neurological, cardiovascular, and ocular health.
Category
Fatty Acids
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Fatty Acid Group, Omega 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: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: >100.00 pg/mL
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Cirrhosis (Chronic liver scarring)
Genetic factors (Influence on elevated levels)
Hepatitis (Inflammatory liver disease)
High dietary intake (Elevated consumption of DHA)
Lactation
Omega-3 supplementation
Pregnancy
Key Reasons For Testing
Brain Health: Evaluates DHA levels to assess cognitive function and neurodegenerative risk.
Pregnancy Monitoring: Ensures optimal DHA levels for fetal brain and eye development.
Cardiovascular Risk: Links DHA to heart health, aiding in heart disease and stroke risk assessment.
Eye Health: Supports visual acuity and assesses risks of eye-related conditions.
Nutritional Status: Identifies omega-3 deficiencies for dietary or supplement recommendations.
Mental Health: Examines DHA’s role in mood regulation and emotional well-being.
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.
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