Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids)

A descreased ratio of eiscospentaenoate/arachidonate is a well recognized predictor of cardiovascular disease.[PMID: 24976364]

This test measures the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in your blood—both essential fats crucial for health. The ratio reflects your dietary balance: excessive omega-6 relative to omega-3 may promote inflammation, while a lower ratio is generally considered healthier. Modern diets often contain too much omega-6 (from vegetable oils, processed foods) and too little omega-3 (from fish, flaxseed). Optimizing this ratio supports heart, brain, and joint health.

Linoleate is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for brain function, hormone production, and cell structure. Your body cannot produce it, so you must obtain it from foods like vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Blood linoleate levels reflect your intake and nutritional status. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, high ratios compared to omega-3 fatty acids may promote inflammation. This test helps assess fatty acid balance and nutritional adequacy, particularly for those monitoring inflammatory conditions.

Docosahexaenoate (DHA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid crucial for brain health, eye function, and reducing inflammation. Your body produces small amounts from plant sources, but most comes from fish and seafood or supplements. Blood DHA levels reflect your intake and omega-3 status. Low DHA is associated with cognitive decline, depression, and increased cardiovascular risk. This test is particularly useful for monitoring supplementation, assessing cardiovascular risk, or investigating cognitive or mood concerns.

Eicosapentaenoate (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduces inflammation, supports heart and brain health, and helps regulate mood and immune function. Like DHA, EPA primarily comes from fatty fish, seafood, and supplements. Blood EPA levels reflect your dietary intake and omega-3 status. Higher EPA is associated with better cardiovascular health and lower depression risk. This test monitors omega-3 supplementation effectiveness and assesses inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that reduce inflammation, support heart and brain health, and regulate immune function. Your body cannot produce them, so they must come from dietary sources like fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, or supplements. Blood omega-3 levels reflect your dietary intake and nutritional status. Higher omega-3 levels are associated with better cardiovascular health, lower depression risk, and reduced inflammation. This test assesses overall omega-3 status and guides supplementation decisions.

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats found in oils, nuts, and seeds that your body needs but cannot produce on its own. This test measures the levels of omega-6 in your blood. While omega-6 is necessary for brain function and skin health, an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids may promote inflammation. Most Western diets are high in omega-6, potentially contributing to chronic inflammatory conditions. This test helps assess your fatty acid balance and dietary patterns.