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.
References:
- Tutino V, De Nunzio V, Caruso MG, et al. Elevated aa/epa ratio represents an inflammatory biomarker in tumor tissue of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(8):2050.
- Rizzo AM, Corsetto PA, Montorfano G, et al. Comparison between the AA/EPA ratio in depressed and non depressed elderly females: omega-3 fatty acid supplementation correlates with improved symptoms but does not change immunological parameters. Nutrition journal. 2012;11(1):82.
- Adams PB, Lawson S, Sanigorski A, Sinclair AJ. Arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio in blood correlates positively with clinical symptoms of depression. Lipids. 1996;31(1Part2):S157-S161.
- Harris WS, Assaad B, Poston WC. Tissue omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio and risk for coronary artery disease. The American journal of cardiology. 2006;98(4):19-26.
- Rupp H, Wagner D, Rupp T, Schulte L-M, Maisch B. Risk Stratification by the “EPA+ DHA Level” and the “EPA/AA Ratio”. Herz. 2004;29(7):673-685.
- Sorgi PJ, Hallowell EM, Hutchins HL, Sears B. Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutrition journal. 2007;6(1):16.
What does it mean if your AA / EPA result is too high?
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.
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What does it mean if your AA / EPA result is too low?
A low AA/EPA ratio indicates an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Here’s a breakdown:
- AA (Arachidonic Acid) is an omega-6 fatty acid involved in inflammation, immunity, and cell signaling. It plays an essential role in maintaining normal physiological functions but can promote inflammation when levels are too high.
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties and supports cardiovascular, brain, and joint health.
What Does a Low AA/EPA Ratio Mean?
-
Possible Chronic Low Inflammation:
- Since AA promotes inflammation and EPA reduces it, a low AA/EPA ratio could suggest low levels of AA or high levels of EPA, indicating reduced inflammatory response.
- This might be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions but could be problematic in wound healing or immune response.
-
High Omega-3 Intake:
- Excessive consumption of omega-3-rich foods or supplements (like fish oil) could lead to this imbalance. This may reduce the body's ability to mount necessary inflammatory responses.
-
Fatty Acid Deficiency:
- A low AA/EPA ratio could reflect a deficiency of AA, commonly due to low dietary intake of omega-6 fats or impaired conversion of linoleic acid to AA. This can affect hormone production, cellular signaling, and immune function.
-
Adrenal Insufficiency or Hormonal Imbalance:
- AA is a precursor for prostaglandins and plays a role in the synthesis of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. Low AA may be linked to issues with adrenal function or hormonal dysregulation.
Clinical Implications:
- Potential Benefits: A lower AA/EPA ratio may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.
- Potential Risks: It may impair the body’s ability to fight infection, regulate blood clotting, or recover from injury.
Next Steps:
- Evaluate Diet: Ensure a balanced intake of both omega-6 (from sources like poultry, eggs, nuts) and omega-3 (fatty fish, flaxseed) fatty acids.
- Consider Testing AA and EPA Levels Individually: This helps identify whether the low ratio is due to low AA, high EPA, or both.
- Review Supplementation: Excessive fish oil supplementation may need adjustment.
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