The Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot Test evaluates the crucial balance between essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Fatty Acids are important for our mental and physical health in a variety of ways, including neurotransmitter production and function, heart health, immunity, inflammation, energy production, nervous system health, and gastrointestinal health to name a few.
Screening your levels with a fatty acids test can help you identify whether they play a role in your chronic health condition or to prevent future issues related to imbalances in this nutrient. Deficiencies or imbalances in fatty acids often manifest as addiction, depression, arthritis, migraines, heart disease, fatigue as well as many others. The brain is made of approximately 2/3 fat. Healthy brain function is dependent on having sufficient levels of fat.
However, the types and ratios of fatty acids are of even more importance. There are good fats and bad fats. The bad fat is called trans fats and the good fats are called Omega-3s and Omega-6s, but too much of a good thing isn’t good either.
Trans fats should be avoided completely, but Omega-3s and Omega-6s need to be present in a healthy ratio. For example, adequate levels of Omega-3 will reduce inflammation, however, too much Omega-3 can actually suppress the immune system. Too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3 can lead to heart disease. Supplementing with too many fatty acids without adequate antioxidants can lead to high levels of oxidative stress.
Identifying whether you’re taking enough fatty acids or too much is crucial for achieving and/or maintaining optimal health.
The Fatty Acids Profile Bloodspot Test measures your Omega-3s, Omega-6s, Trans fats, and four different important ratios including the following:
Polyunsaturated Omega-3s
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Polyunsaturated Omega-6s
- Arachidonic Acid (AA)
- Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Linoleic Acid (LA)
- Dihomogamma Linolenic Acid (DGLA)
Trans Fats
Ratios
AA:EPA ratio – A measure of “silent” inflammation
EPA + DHA % – A risk factor for early Cardiovascular heart disease
LA:GLA Ratio – Inhibition of Delta6 desaturase by decreased Zinc or Magnesium, increased insulin, or dietary excess of saturated or trans fatty acids
EPA:DGLA Ratio – Helps balance intake of Series-3 and Series-1 eicosanoid precursors (Metametrix)
How to Get the Fatty Acids Profile Bloodspot Test
This is a simple test kit you can order online and it can be performed in the privacy of your own home with a finger prick and mailed back to the lab in the prepaid FedEx mailer provided. No trips to the doctor or lab are necessary. It’s convenient, economical, and easy.
Your test is performed by Genova Diagnostics, one of the most trusted and innovative pioneers in the field of functional medicine testing, utilized by practitioners of all kinds throughout the world for decades.
Schedule a consultation today to go over specific details and answer any questions you may have.
The Fatty Acids Profile Bloodspot Test is a simple and easy do-it-yourself way to identify Omega insufficiency or excess and make changes in your nutritional supplements and diet accordingly.
References
Genova Diagnostics gdx.net
