Linoleic 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.

Linoleic acid (LA) is the only essential omega-6 fatty acid and must be obtained from the diet. From LA, other omega-6s can be created using elongase and desaturase enzymes. LA contains 18 carbons, with 2 double bonds, the first of which is at the 6th carbon position (18:2n6). LA is found in nuts and vegetable oils (corn, soybean, canola, sunflower, etc.) as well as most meats. When the double bonds of LA are arranged differently, the term conjugated LA (CLA) is used.

Linoleic 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.

Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and is used for digestion. Therefore, abnormal lipase levels are usually indicative of a pancreatic disorder. A healthcare professional may order a lipase test to diagnose or monitor such a condition.

Lipid peroxides are a class of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that preferentially oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acids (omega-6 PUFAs).

Lipid peroxides exert their toxic effects via two mechanisms. One is by altering the assembly, composition, structure and dynamics of cell membrane lipid bilayers. The second is by producing more reactive oxygen species or by degrading into reactive compounds capable of damaging DNA and proteins.

The central nervous system is particularly prone to lipid peroxidation due to the high quantity of ROS as a byproduct of ATP synthesis in a lipid-enriched environment.16 Circulating LDLs can be affected by lipid peroxidation and are implicated in diseases including atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Lipid peroxides are oxidative degradation products of lipids, generated by a free radical chain reaction. Because of their abundance of reactive hydrogens, polyunsaturated fatty acids are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, which compromises the integrity and function of the cell membrane in which they reside.

Lipid peroxides are oxidative degradation products of lipids, generated by a free radical chain reaction. Because of their abundance of reactive hydrogens, polyunsaturated fatty acids are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, which compromises the integrity and function of the cell membrane in which they reside.

Lipid peroxides are a class of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that preferentially oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acids (omega-6 PUFAs).

Lipid peroxides exert their toxic effects via two mechanisms. One is by altering the assembly, composition, structure and dynamics of cell membrane lipid bilayers. The second is by producing more reactive oxygen species or by degrading into reactive compounds capable of damaging DNA and proteins.

The central nervous system is particularly prone to lipid peroxidation due to the high quantity of ROS as a byproduct of ATP synthesis in a lipid-enriched environment.16 Circulating LDLs can be affected by lipid peroxidation and are implicated in diseases including atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria in the gut. The LPS protects gram-negative bacteria from gram-positive bacteria. When gram-negative bacterium dies it releases its LPS, which travels through the epithelial cells of the intestinal barrier and finds its way into the blood stream.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria in the gut. The LPS protects gram-negative bacteria from gram-positive bacteria. When gram-negative bacterium dies it releases its LPS, which travels through the epithelial cells of the intestinal barrier and finds its way into the blood stream.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria in the gut. The LPS protects gram-negative bacteria from gram-positive bacteria. When gram-negative bacterium dies it releases its LPS, which travels through the epithelial cells of the intestinal barrier and finds its way into the blood stream.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a molecule made up of a lipid and a polysaccharide. LPS is a component of the surface membrane of gram-negative bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. Gram-negative bacteria include: Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Pseudomonus, Helicobactor, Legionella, Wolbachia. As an endotoxin, LPS increases the negative charge of the bacterial membrane and promotes the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Lipoprotein(a) is a unique lipoprotein that has emerged as an independent risk factor for developing vascular disease.

→ Lp(a) levels are genetically determined1 and not affected by changes in lifestyle.

→ Lp(a) is a plasma lipoprotein consisting of a cholesterolrich LDL particle attached to an additional apolipoprotein called apo(a).

→ Lipoproteins are made of protein and fat. They carry cholesterol through your blood. Lp(a) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

→ LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of Lp(a) can create plaque in your blood vessels. This is a buildup of cholesterol that lessens blood flow through your arteries.

The Liquefaction status in a semen analysis is an important aspect of semen analysis that assesses how semen changes from a coagulated to a more liquid state, with deviations from the norm potentially indicating fertility issues.

Liquefaction time in a semen analysis is a crucial parameter that indicates the time it takes for semen to transition from a gel-like consistency to a liquid state. It is essential for sperm mobility and is used as a diagnostic indicator to assess sperm health and potential fertility issues.

The lithium blood test measures the amount of lithium in your bloodstream to ensure levels stay within a safe and effective range. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and mania, but it has a narrow therapeutic window—meaning too little may be ineffective, while too much can be toxic. Regular monitoring helps adjust the dose, prevent side effects, and guide treatment decisions. Lithium is processed by the kidneys and affected by factors like hydration, sodium levels, and overall kidney function. Symptoms such as fatigue, tremors, nausea, or confusion may signal levels that are too high or too low, making this test essential for safe and successful long-term treatment.

Lithium (Li) is normally found in hair at very low levels. Hair Li correlates with high dosage of Li carbonate in patients treated for Affective Disorders. However, the clinical significance of low hair Li levels is not certain at this time. Thus, hair Li is measured primarily for research purposes. Anecdotally, clinical feedback to DDI consultants suggests that low level Li supplementation may have some beneficial effects in patients with behavioral/emotional disorders. Li occurs almost universally in water and in the diet; excess Li is rapidly excreted in urine.

Lithium is a naturally occurring trace element found in soil, groundwater, and various plant-based foods. It is best known for its pharmaceutical form—lithium carbonate or lithium citrate—used at high doses to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. However, in trace amounts, lithium may play a beneficial biological role, supporting brain health, mood regulation, cognitive function, and neuroprotection.

The "Essential Elements; urine" panel by Mosaic Diagnostics measures urinary excretion of lithium to assess short-term intake, environmental exposure, or supplementation. While lithium is not officially classified as an “essential nutrient” for humans, emerging research suggests that low-dose lithium intake may contribute to overall mental and neurological well-being.