Fatty Acids Profile

The Fatty Acids test is a convenient finger-prick test that can illuminate problems in essential fatty acid absorption and metabolism, which significantly impact cellular functions, intracellular communication, and neurological/brain development.

Fatty acids are the core building blocks of cellular membranes making them critical for cell membrane structure and function as well as local signalling. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained in your diet or through supplementation.

EFA's are transformed into local hormonal mediators called eicosanoids, a process vital to the ability of the body's immune system to repair and protect itself and to regulate inflammation.

Evidence of the adverse effects of fatty acid deficiencies has led to increases in the consumption of essential fatty acid supplements. When incorporated into the cell membranes of the body, these omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids function as precursors for eicosanoids (signaling molecules) that control many cellular functions and responses. The balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids is influenced by the balance of the fatty acids we consume. Since inflammation has now been shown to be integral to so many chronic disease processes, including cancers, nutrients that counteract inflammation can have profound health benefits. This test will show whether you are taking too few or too many fatty acids fatty acids to be effective, as well as whether you are taking the incorrect ratio's of fatty acids, which can cause unexpected health problems.

This test will show whether you are taking too few or too many fatty acids fatty acids to be effective, as well as whether you are taking the incorrect ratios of fatty acids, which can cause unexpected health problems.

Inflammation has been linked to various biochemical imbalances that can lead to chronic illnesses, so much so that is now viewed as an early marker for these illnesses. We view cancer as a chronic illness. In the correct balance, omega-3 and omega-6 act as Nature's anti-inflammatories. Correct levels of omega 3's in the body have been linked to estrogen-driven cancer prevention. This test helps us 'see' inside our body and know and whether we need to add or remove essential fatty acids from our diet and supplement protocol to create balance in our body.

• Easy to do yourself at home
• Just a simple finger prick
• Only 1 drop of blood needed

Anyone, of any age, who is expressing symptoms and signs of an essential fatty acid imbalance, deficiency or excess. This test gets specific and shows you exactly which essential fatty acids you need to add or remove from your of your personalised diet and supplement protocol.

Anyone with the following symptoms or conditions:

• Allergies (e.g. eczema/asthma/hay fever/hives)
• Arthritis
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cardiovascular issues
• Cravings for fats/fatty/salty foods
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth and throat
• Dry skin
• Cracking or peeling fingertips & skin (e.g. heels)
• Scaly or flaky skin
• Small bumps on back of upper arms
• Patchy dullness &/or colour variation of skin
• Mixed oily and dry skin ('combination' skin)
• Irregular quilted appearance of skin (e.g. legs)
• Thick or cracked calluses
• Dandruff or cradle cap
• Dry, lack of lustre, brittle or unruly hair
• Dull nails
• Slow growing fingernails
• Soft, fraying, splitting or brittle fingernails
• Excessive ear wax
• Excessive thirst
• Hormonal disorders
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication
• Inflammatory disorders
• Insulin resistance
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Mental and behavioural disorders
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual breast pain/tenderness
• Obesity
• Senile neurological degeneration

• Inflammation: Improper fatty acid intake affects the balance of anti- and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, increasing health risks.

• Statin drugs: Among the top five drugs prescribed last year, statins have been shown to upset the balance of EFA's and lead to inflammation.

• Increased free radical production: Consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) without increasing antioxidant intake will cause increased production of free radicals. Excess free radicals cause 'oxidative stress'. Oxidative stress leads to cell damage, premature ageing and is a common marker in almost all lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Some people are more prone to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) imbalance and oxidative stress than others. Pair our Fatty Acids test with the DNA | Health, Diet and Sport tests to find out more about your genetic predisposition to oxidative stress.

Shows essential fatty acid balance, deficiency, and excess.

The Fatty Acids test measures the following fatty acid levels:

- Polyunsaturated Omega-3

• Alpha Linolenic (ALA)
• Eicosapentaenoic (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic (DHA)

• Linoleic (LA)
• Gamma Linolenic (GLA)
• Dihomogamma Linolenic (DGLA)
• Arachidonic (AA)

- Trans – Total C:18 Trans Fats

- Fatty-Acid Ratios

• LA:GLA ratio: Delta-6 desaturase inhibition by decreased Zn or decreased Mg, increased insulin, or dietary excess of saturated or trans fatty acids
• AA:EPA ratio: A measure of "silent" inflammation 
• EPA:DGLA ratio: Helps balance intake of Series-3 and Series-1 eicosanoid precursors
• EPA + DHA % - An early CVD risk indicator 
• Index of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nutritional and metabolic fatty acids

More info: Fatty Acids test

Sample report: Fatty Acids test

Test instructions: Fatty Acids test

• Bloodspot - a single drop of blood is needed from a finger prick

About 2 weeks

Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot