Omega-3 and Fatty Acid Panel

The 6 tests in this panel

What each one measures and the range labs usually print for adults. Ranges differ a little between labs, so the range on your own report is the one your result is judged against.

• Omega-3 Index (EPA+DHA)

  Shows how much of the fat in your red blood cells is the marine omega-3s EPA and DHA, a long-term picture of your fish and omega-3 intake.

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), RBC

  The share of your red blood cell membranes made of EPA, an omega-3 fat. It reflects your omega-3 intake over about the past four months.

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), RBC

  The share of your red blood cell membranes made of DHA, an omega-3 fat. It reflects your omega-3 intake over about the past four months.

• Arachidonic Acid (AA), RBC

  How much arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fat, makes up the membranes of your red blood cells, shown as a percent of all the fatty acids there.

• Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio

  Compares the omega-6 fats in your blood with the omega-3 fats, but labs calculate it differently, so numbers from different labs cannot be compared.

• AA:EPA Ratio

  A ratio of arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fat) to EPA (an omega-3 fat) in your blood. A lower ratio means relatively more EPA.

  18+

  1.1–69.1 ratio

Labs can include 5 more tests in this panel that we haven’t written up yet.