The AA (Arachidonic Acid) test in red blood cells (RBC), a critical component of the Micronutrient panel by Vibrant America, provides an essential analysis of arachidonic acid levels, a prominent omega-6 fatty acid. AA plays a significant role in inflammatory and immune responses and is a key component of cell membranes, impacting cellular signaling and function. Measuring AA in RBCs offers a more accurate and long-term view of the body's fatty acid profile than serum levels, reflecting true cellular uptake and utilization. This test is particularly crucial in evaluating the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which is vital for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases.

EPA (n3) and AA (n6) both compete for use of the delta-5- desaturase enzyme to be synthesized. Increased dietary intake of animal fats alters fatty acid metabolism in favor of inflammation. There are many chronic diseases associated with elevations of this ratio including cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and cancer. Increasing dietary intake of fish oils, or omega-3 fatty acid containing foods such as flax, chia, oily fish, or walnuts, can shift delta-5-desaturase activity toward the metabolism of the more beneficial n-3 metabolites.

Decreasing intake of animal fats is also recommended.

EPA (n3) and AA (n6) both compete for use of the delta-5- desaturase enzyme to be synthesized. Increased dietary intake of animal fats alters fatty acid metabolism in favor of inflammation. There are many chronic diseases associated with elevations of this ratio including cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and cancer. Increasing dietary intake of fish oils, or omega-3 fatty acid containing foods such as flax, chia, oily fish, or walnuts, can shift delta-5-desaturase activity toward the metabolism of the more beneficial n-3 metabolites.

Decreasing intake of animal fats is also recommended.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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 is an excellent way
for managing heart disease and other chronic and inflammatory processes.

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.

Ab NK (CD56/16) refers to the antibody staining of natural killer (NK) cells to detect the presence of specific surface markers, CD56 and CD16. CD56 is a neural cell adhesion molecule, and CD16 is an Fc receptor. Ab NK (CD56/16) analysis is crucial in identifying and characterizing different subsets of NK cells, including the CD56bright and CD56dim populations, each with distinct functional roles in the immune system.

The Aβ42/40 Ratio (Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio) is a biomarker that helps detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease by measuring the balance between two key amyloid beta proteins in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. A lower ratio indicates a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the earliest and most specific signs of Alzheimer’s pathology—even before symptoms appear. This test is particularly useful for individuals experiencing memory loss or at risk of cognitive decline, and it is often used alongside tau protein markers to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide early intervention.

The biomarker Abnormal Protein Band 1 is part of a blood test called "Protein Electrophoresis". 

Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins (the M stands for "monoclonal").