Metabolic health

Triene/tetraene ratio

Holman index, Mead acid to arachidonic acid ratio

Included in Complete.

Checking for a shortage of essential fats.

The triene/tetraene ratio compares Mead acid with arachidonic acid. It's calculated from those two results and has long been used to help assess essential fatty acid deficiency, a shortage of fats your body can't make on its own.

Your body makes Mead acid when essential fats run short.

Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essential, which means they must come from food. When they're scarce, the enzymes that normally process them start working on oleic acid instead, producing Mead acid. Mead acid rises while arachidonic acid falls, so the ratio goes up.

Essential fatty acid deficiency is rare. It's more often seen with long-term intravenous feeding without enough fat, very low fat intake, or conditions that limit fat absorption.

When essential fats run low, your body makes more Mead acid.

Questions

What does a higher triene/tetraene ratio mean?

A higher ratio may suggest your body isn't getting or absorbing enough essential fatty acids. It's read with your linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and Mead acid results, along with your diet, digestion, and health history.

What happens if my ratio is out of range?

A licensed nurse practitioner reviews every result. A raised ratio is worth discussing with a clinician, especially if you follow a very low-fat diet or have ongoing digestive symptoms.

Sources and references