Fatty Acids Profile, Essential (Serum/Plasma)
Aids in identification of patients with essential fatty acid deficiency, evaluation of nutritional status, and diet monitoring.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
This test measures the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in plasma. This ratio of the principle omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a measure of the body’s eicosanoid balance. Balancing these eicosanoids in the body i
Learn moreAlpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 fatty acid and must be obtained in the diet. Sources include green leafy vegetables, oily fish, flaxseed, soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts, and chia seeds. ALA has an 18-carbon backbone with 3 double bon
Learn moreArachidonic acid is an inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Our bodies produce this nutrient, and its excess may lead to inflammatory diseases and mood disorders.
Learn moreDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbons and 6 double bonds (22:6n3). It can be obtained from the diet, supplemented, or created by conversion from DPA using elongase and desaturase enzymes. DHA is present in fatty fish suc
Learn moreEicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is a Polyunsaturated Omega-3 Fatty Acid and is involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and prevention of blood clots. Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) have a carbon–carbon double bond located three carb
Learn moreThe EPA:AA ratio is a valuable predictor of cardiovascular risk. The EPA:AA ratio may be a marker of chronic inflammation, with a lower ratio corresponding to higher levels of inflammation. It is now well established that inflammation plays an imp
Learn moreLinoleic acid is by far the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in most human tissues. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, and low levels indicate dietary insufficiency.
Learn moreMonounsaturated Fatty Acid Index Includes: Palmitoleic (16:1n7) Oleic (18:1n9) Beneficial fat that lowers heart disease risk Enhances LDL apoB-100 clearance relative to saturated fat
Learn moreNervonic acid (NA) is an omega-9 MUFA with a 24-carbon backbone and one double bond (24:1n9). It is a very important fatty acid in the white matter of the brain and is responsible for nerve cell myelin biosynthesis. There are small amounts of NA in c
Learn moreThe omega-3 index is defined as the RBC percentage sum of EPA+DHA, both of which are important anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This index was first proposed in 2004 as a cardiovascular risk factor by Dr. Willian S. Harris and Dr. Clemons von S
Learn moreThe Omega-3/Omega-6 ratio signifies the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in one's diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids with distinct roles in the body. A balanced ratio is important for overall health. An imbalanced
Learn moreWhen assessing fatty acids in RBCs, this marker measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total saturated fatty acid percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding up each of the meas
Learn moreOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been linked to healthy aging throughout our lifespan - from fetal development to prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and used in cell membrane product
Learn moreTrans Fatty Acid Index Includes: - Palmitelaidic (16:1n9t) - Elaidic (18:1n9t) - Linoelaidic (18:2n9t) Markedly increases the risk of heart disease by raising LDL-C and lowering HDL-C2,3 Adversely impacts serum lipid levels by:2 Decrea
Learn moreUnsaturated/Saturated Ratio Index Includes: - Omega 3 FA (EPA, DHA, ALA) - Omega 6 FA (LA, AA, DA) - Saturated FA (Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic) -- Increasing polyunsaturated (PUFA) intake lowers LDL-C and decreases heart disease ris
Learn moreVaccenic acid (VA) is a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (18:1n7). VA is a naturally occurring trans-fat unlike those produced industrially. The trans-configuration occurs around carbon 11, therefore VA is sometimes denoted as trans11-18:1n7. Rumin
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