Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids Test

Three reasons this Omega-3 and Omega-6 test is right for you

• If you eat a typical western diet, you are probably deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids
• If you are concerned about your heart health and your metabolism, this test can help you to manage it for optimal health
• If you consume fewer than 2 portions of oily fish per week, you should check your Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid levels

What are Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a kind of fat that your body cannot make. Because you can’t make them, they are called “essential fats” and need to come from your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish, like Salmon, Sardines and Mackerel and current guidance recommends you eat at least 2 portions of these fish per week. They have important benefits for your heart, brain, and metabolism. Omega-3 has an anti-inflammatory effect. Omega-3 fats are used to build hormones that reduce inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cellular function and also:

• Improving heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids may help manage cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. A ratio of 4/1 of omega-6 to omega-3 was associated with a 70% decrease in total mortality.
• Supporting mental health. Omega-3 supplements may help manage or prevent depression, Parkinson’s disease, and psychosis in those at risk.
• Reducing weight and waist size. Omega-3 fats may help people manage their weight and waist circumference, but more studies are needed.
• Decreasing liver fat. Initial research suggests that consuming omega-3s may help decrease the amount of fat in your liver
• Supporting infant brain development. Omega-3s support brain development in a foetus.
• Fighting inflammation. Omega-3 fats may help manage inflammation that occurs with some chronic diseases. A low intake of omega-3 fatty acids compared with omega-6s may contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.

What are omega-6 fatty acids?

Like omega-3s, omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats, so you need to get all that you require from your diet. Omega-6 fatty acids are used by your body to produce energy. Omega-6 fats also play an important role in mediating inflammation.

Omega-6 fats promote inflammation. Omega-6 fats are metabolized into a chemical called arachidonic acid, which forms tissue hormones that generate free radicals that attack the body's cells.

The balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is crucial to good health. The recommended ratio is between 1-to-1 and 4-to-1, but research suggests that western diets are generally providing 16-to-1 or more, far in excess of what is regarded as optimal for good health.

How do I schedule my Omega-3 and Omega-6 test appointment?

To book your appointment, please click the ”Book Your Appointment” button at the top of the page. Select a suitable clinic, date, and time that meets your needs.

What can I expect at my appointment?

At your appointment, your blood sample will be collected by one of our doctors.

They will send it to our accredited laboratory for analysis. We will report your results as soon as they are ready. This is usually five working days after your sample is received in the laboratory.

How will I receive my Omega-3 and Omega-6 test results?

Your test results will be uploaded to your secure online Patient Area as soon as they become available. Additionally, you will receive a notification through your preferred method of communication, whether it be a telephone call, email, or text message. We will contact you within the first three days of reporting your result to discuss your next steps if you are positive.

What if my Omega-3 and Omega-6 levels are out of range?

If your test results indicate that your Omega-3 and Omega-6 are not where they should be, Better2Know can make you an appointment with one of our doctors so you can discuss your test result and decide on an appropriate course of treatment.