Essential fatty acid imbalance

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.

Linoleic acid is the primary dietary omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It is a precursor for arachidonic acid and other signaling lipids.

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.

Eicosatrienoic acid is an intermediate omega-3 fatty acid formed during the conversion of ALA to EPA. It contributes to anti-inflammatory lipid signaling pathways.

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.

Eicosadienoic acid is a less common omega-6 fatty acid derived from linoleic acid metabolism.

DHA is a structural omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain, eye, and nerve function. It is abundant in neuronal membranes and supports cell signaling.

DDA is a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid found in small amounts in the blood. It is part of your overall omega-6 balance.

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.

Alpha-linolenic acid is a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, chia, and walnuts. It serves as a metabolic precursor for longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

This ratio reflects the conversion efficiency from DGLA to arachidonic acid and the balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory omega-6 metabolites.