top of page

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

lab-scientists-blood-urine-test-analysis

Omega-6 Total

examining-blood-sample-with-microscope

O6T

Description

"Omega-6 Total" test quantifies the total omega-6 fatty acids in your blood to assess inflammatory balance and dietary intake. It's used to investigate how fatty acid ratios might influence heart health, inflammation, or metabolic function. Doctors may recommend this test when symptoms or lab markers suggest imbalance. Elevated levels may increase inflammation or cardiovascular risk, especially when omega-3 intake is low. Results clarify fatty acid status. This test helps shape care strategies focused on inflammation and lipid regulation.

"Omega-6 Total" test quantifies the total omega-6 fatty acids in your blood to assess inflammatory balance and dietary intake. It's used to investigate how fatty acid ratios might influence heart health, inflammation, or metabolic function. Doctors may recommend this test when symptoms or lab markers suggest imbalance. Elevated levels may increase inflammation or cardiovascular risk, especially when omega-3 intake is low. Results clarify fatty acid status. This test helps shape care strategies focused on inflammation and lipid regulation.

Category

Fatty Acids

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Whole Blood

Units

Percentage

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Omega Fatty Acid Group

Test Group Description

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: 11.00–20.00%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 11.00–35.00%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

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

Decreased levels may indicate:


  • Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine)

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract)

  • Genetic factors (Inherited traits influencing omega-6 levels)

  • Imbalance with omega-3 fatty acids

  • Insulin resistan...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Cardiovascular Health Assessment: Evaluates omega-6's role in lipid metabolism and inflammation regulation related to cardiovascular risk.

  • Inflammation Monitoring: Assesses inflammation levels associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

  • Nutritional Status Evaluation: Reflects dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids to guide nutritional recommendations.

  • Risk Indicator for Chronic Diseases: Identifies imbalances linked to risks like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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] Lands WE. Dietary fat and health: the evidence and the politics of prevention. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005;1055:179-192.

[2] Johnson GH, Fritsche K. Effect of dietary linoleic acid on markers of inflammation in healthy persons: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(7):1029-1041.

[3] Calder PC. Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006;75(3):203-212.

[4] Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ. Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee. Circulation. 2009;119(6):902-907.

[5] Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002;56(8):365-379.

[6] Risé P, Marangoni F, Gallingani R, et al. Linoleic acid, but not its metabolite arachidonic acid, is positively associated with coronary artery disease risk factors in a population with high intake of saturated fatty acids. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2013;89(3):127-133.

[7] Harris WS, Lemke SL, Hansen SN, et al. Stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil increased red blood cell omega-3 fatty acids and improved the omega-3 Index in humans. J Nutr. 2008;138(1):99-104.

[8] DeFilippis AP, Sperling LS. Understanding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Am Heart J. 2006;151(3):564-570.

[9] Liou YA, King DJ, Zibrik D, Innis SM. Decreasing linoleic acid with constant α-linolenic acid in dietary fats increases (n-3) eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma phospholipids in healthy men. J Nutr. 2007;137(4):945-952.

[10] Goyens PL, Spilker ME, Zock PL, Katan MB, Mensink RP. Conversion of alpha-linolenic acid in humans is influenced by the absolute amounts of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in the diet and not by their ratio. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(1):44-53.

[11] Wijendran V, Hayes KC. Dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acid balance and cardiovascular health. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:597-615.

If You Found This Test Helpful, You Might Also Like..

bottom of page