Aaepa Ratio
ResearchedArachidonic Acid to Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ratio (AA/EPA Ratio)
Other • Last tested 2025-08-25
What It Measures
This test measures the ratio of arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) to eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) in red blood cell membranes or serum. It reflects the balance between pro-inflammatory (omega-6) and anti-inflammatory (omega-3) fatty acids in your body, which directly influences the production of inflammatory signaling molecules called eicosanoids.
The AA/EPA ratio measures the balance between the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) and the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in cell membranes. This ratio is a key indicator of the body's inflammatory status, as AA promotes pro-inflammatory eicosanoids while EPA promotes anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving mediators. A lower ratio reflects better omega-3/omega-6 balance and is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, lower systemic inflammation, and improved metabolic health.
Current Value
What High Means
A high AA/EPA ratio (above 5-10) indicates a pro-inflammatory state with excess omega-6 relative to omega-3 fatty acids. This is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, chronic low-grade inflammation, higher risk of coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, depression, and neurodegenerative conditions. The typical Western diet produces ratios of 10-20+, far above optimal. High ratios drive increased production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.
Possible Symptoms
Chronic joint pain and stiffness, frequent headaches, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis flares), slow wound healing, brain fog, depressed mood, fatigue, muscle soreness and prolonged recovery from exercise, frequent infections, cardiovascular symptoms
What Low Means
A low AA/EPA ratio (below 1.0) indicates a strong anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile with abundant omega-3s relative to omega-6s. While generally favorable, extremely low ratios (below 0.5) could theoretically impair immune function or wound healing, as some AA-derived eicosanoids are necessary for normal immune responses. Japanese populations with traditional diets often have ratios of 1.5-3, which are associated with lower cardiovascular mortality.
Possible Symptoms
Generally asymptomatic and considered beneficial. Extremely low values may theoretically present as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding time, or impaired acute inflammatory responses needed for infection defense
Risk Factors
Cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, depression, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's), rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, arterial stiffness, increased platelet aggregation
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •EPA fish oil (high-EPA concentrate)
- •Omega-3 fish oil
- •Krill oil
- •Algal oil (vegan EPA/DHA)
- •SPMs (Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators)
- •Curcumin (reduces AA-derived inflammation)
- •GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from borage or evening primrose oil
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Consume fatty fish 3-4 times per week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies)
- •Supplement with 2-4g EPA+DHA daily (emphasize EPA-dominant formulas)
- •Reduce omega-6 seed oil intake (soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower oils)
- •Replace seed oils with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil for cooking
- •Minimize processed and fried foods which are high in omega-6
- •Eat grass-fed meat and pastured eggs (lower omega-6 than conventional)
- •Include walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for plant-based omega-3s (ALA)
- •Reduce refined carbohydrate intake which can upregulate delta-5 desaturase and increase AA production
- •Regular exercise helps improve fatty acid metabolism and reduce inflammation
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| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | 8.3 - | — |