Metabolic health
Arachidonic acid to EPA ratio (AA/EPA)
AA:EPA ratio
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsWeighing an omega-6 fat against an omega-3.
The AA/EPA ratio divides arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fat, by EPA, an omega-3 fat. It's calculated from your individual results and is mainly used in research on how the balance between these two fats relates to inflammation.
Both fats compete for the same enzymes.
Arachidonic acid and EPA are both used to make short-lived signalling molecules. Many made from arachidonic acid promote inflammation and clotting, while those made from EPA tend to be less inflammatory. Because the two compete for the same enzymes, their balance has drawn research interest.
Observational studies have linked a higher AA/EPA ratio with higher cardiovascular risk. The ratio isn't part of standard heart risk assessment, there's no agreed target, and research is still defining how to use it.
Questions
What does a higher AA/EPA ratio mean?
A higher ratio means EPA is low compared with arachidonic acid, which often reflects low intake of fatty fish or omega-3 supplements. It's one input to read alongside hsCRP, your cholesterol results, and your health history.
Is arachidonic acid bad for me?
No. Arachidonic acid is a normal part of cell membranes and is needed for many body functions. The ratio looks at its balance with EPA, which comes mainly from food.
Sources and references
- Nelson and Raskin, The EPA:arachidonic acid ratio and its clinical utility in cardiovascular disease (Postgrad Med, 2019)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Omega-3 Fatty Acids fact sheet for health professionals
- Harris, The omega-6/omega-3 ratio and cardiovascular disease risk: uses and abuses (Curr Atheroscler Rep, 2006)