Omega-6 Index

Omega-6 Index

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What's

Omega-6 Index

The Omega-6 Index is a way to measure the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in your body. These are a type of fat that is crucial for your well-being. They're called "essential" because your body can't produce them by itself, so you need to get them from the foods you eat. Omega-6 fatty acids are mainly used by your body for energy and can be found in various oils, nuts, seeds, as well as in chicken and eggs. The Omega-6 Index provides a glimpse of how much of these important fats are in your body, showing how well you're consuming and processing these essential nutrients.

If Your Levels Are High

A high Omega-6 Index might mean that your diet has a bit too much omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in foods like vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, chicken, and eggs. It could also mean you're not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are in foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. This imbalance can affect how your body handles inflammation, since omega-6 fats can cause inflammation while omega-3 fats help reduce it. Some medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), might also play a role in raising your Omega-6 Index.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Omega-6 Index may not be immediately noticeable. However, over time, an imbalance in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids could potentially contribute to chronic inflammation, which may manifest as persistent fatigue, joint pain, and skin issues.

If Your Levels are Low

A low Omega-6 Index might mean that your body isn't getting enough of these essential fatty acids that play a key role in your overall health. Omega-6 fats are important for brain function, skin and hair growth, bone health, metabolism, and the reproductive system. Not having enough of these fats in your diet could be due to not eating enough foods like oils, nuts, seeds, chicken, and eggs. Additionally, certain medications or health issues might make it harder for your body to absorb or use these fats properly.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Omega-6 Index could include dry skin, hair loss, general fatigue, and poor wound healing.

See References

Test for

Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Plasma

The Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™ test measures the major fatty acids for cardiovascular disease characterization and management. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Men's Health

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™, and several individual cardiometabolic and hormonal biomarkers to assess men's overall health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CardioMetabolic - Expanded

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines several tests, including Boston Heart's unique Cholesterol Balance® and Fatty Acid Balance™, to evaluate cardiometabolic health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Women's Health

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™, and several individual cardiometabolic and hormonal biomarkers to assess women's overall health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CVD & Diabetes Prevention Comprehensive

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines several tests to evaluate a patient's risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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