Chronic inflammation

The Omega-3 Index measures the percentage of EPA and DHA (the two most important omega-3 fatty acids) in red blood cell membranes. It reflects your long-term omega-3 status over the past 3–4 months and is considered one of the most reliable markers of cardiovascular risk related to fatty acid balance. An index above 8% is associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk.

The absolute count of basophils per liter of blood. Basophils are the rarest type of white blood cell and play a role in allergic reactions, inflammation, and parasite defense. The absolute count provides a more accurate assessment than the percentage, especially when total white blood cell counts are abnormal.

The absolute count of monocytes per liter of blood. Monocytes are white blood cells that migrate into tissues and become macrophages, where they engulf pathogens, dead cells, and debris. The absolute count is important because it reflects the actual capacity for tissue repair and immune surveillance independent of other white blood cell changes.

The absolute count of lymphocytes per liter of blood. Lymphocytes include T cells and B cells — the cornerstone of adaptive immunity — as well as natural killer (NK) cells, which provide innate immune defense. The absolute count is critical for assessing immune competence, as a normal percentage can hide true lymphopenia when total white blood cells are low.

The absolute count of neutrophils per liter of blood. While neutrophil percentage shows the proportion among white blood cells, the absolute count reveals the actual number available to fight infections. This is clinically essential, because a normal percentage can mask a dangerously low absolute count if total white blood cells are reduced.

The absolute count of eosinophils per liter of blood. Eosinophils are white blood cells involved in fighting parasitic infections and mediating allergic responses. The absolute count is more clinically meaningful than the percentage, as it directly reflects the body's eosinophilic activity regardless of total white blood cell levels.

Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that includes immunoglobulins (antibodies), transport proteins, and complement proteins. It is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein. The albumin-to-globulin ratio helps assess liver function, kidney health, immune system activity, and nutritional status.

AA is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that serves as a precursor to numerous pro-inflammatory and vasoactive mediators.

This sum measures total omega-6 fatty acids including linoleic acid, GLA, DGLA, and arachidonic acid.

This sum represents all major omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA) in the blood.

This ratio compares total omega-6 to total omega-3 fatty acids, reflecting the overall balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators.

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in certain plant oils such as evening primrose and borage. It helps maintain a healthy inflammatory balance.

EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid mainly found in fatty fish. It helps regulate inflammation and supports heart and blood vessel health.

DGLA is a key omega-6 fatty acid formed from GLA. It produces anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and acts as a metabolic balance point between GLA and arachidonic acid.

This ratio compares arachidonic acid (pro-inflammatory omega-6) to eicosapentaenoic acid (anti-inflammatory omega-3).

SIRI combines neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes to evaluate immune response and inflammation severity.

SII integrates neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts into a single measure of immune and inflammatory status.

NLR reflects the balance between neutrophils which drive early inflammation and lymphocytes which regulate immune control.

ESR measures the speed at which red blood cells settle in a tube over one hour. It is a broad indicator of inflammation.

Neutrophils (primary bacterial fighters) respond rapidly to acute infections.

Monocytes develop into macrophages that kill pathogens and dead cells.

Lymphocytes (including T cells and B cells) provide targeted immune responses and immunological memory.

Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are crucial for immune system function: the total white blood cell count measures overall immune activity, while differential testing examines specific cell types.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a blood marker used to detect low levels of inflammation in the body. It is a more precise version of standard CRP testing and is especially useful for assessing cardiovascular risk, as even mild inflammation can contribute to heart disease.