OmegaQuant

The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, vs. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because eicosanoids and prostaglandins can be made from them. These molecules are very potent in the body in causing a lot of changes. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health. We recommend optimizing the omega-3 side of the equation, which inevitably means increasing your Omega-3 Index and getting into the optimal range. Only one omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), and one omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), make up the AA:EPA ratio. The desirable range for the AA:EPA ratio is 2.5:1 – 11:1. The desirable ranges for the ratio were calculated to correspond to the desirable range for the Omega-3 Index due to the strong relationship among these metrics. Higher omega-3 blood levels are strongly related to improved health and longevity. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. The most efficient way to lower both the Omega-6:Omega-3 and the AA:EPA ratios is to consume more omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish or supplements. Omega-6 blood levels are less responsive to dietary changes than omega-3 blood levels. Therefore, lowering dietary omega-6s as a strategy to correct these ratios is typically less effective than raising intake of EPA and DHA. It will take 3-4 months for these ratios to reach their new levels and we recommend re-testing at that time.

Omega-6:Omega-3 (n6:n3) ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of seven omega-6 fatty acids by the sum of four omega-3 fatty acids in whole blood. Only one omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), and one omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), make up the AA:EPA ratio. The desirable range for the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio is 3:1 to 5:1, and the desirable range for the AA:EPA ratio is 2.5:1 – 11:1. The desirable ranges for the ratios were calculated to correspond to the desirable range for the Omega-3 Index due to the strong relationship among these metrics. Higher omega-3 blood levels are strongly related to improved health and longevity. Similarly, higher - not lower - blood levels of the main omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, have been associated with better heart and metabolic health. AA blood levels alone are a poor predictor of health outcomes. However, there is considerable controversy regarding omega-6s in the diet and health, which is beyond the scope of this report. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. The most efficient way to lower both the Omega-6:Omega-3 and the AA:EPA ratios is to consume more omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish or supplements. Omega-6 blood levels are less responsive to dietary changes than omega-3 blood levels. Therefore, lowering dietary omega-6s as a strategy to correct these ratios is typically less effective than raising intake of EPA and DHA. It will take 3-4 months for these ratios to reach their new levels and we recommend re-testing at that time.

proportion of long-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA

Trans fatty acids