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.