Biomarker Reference · Fatty Acids

What does the Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) test measure?

Q: What is the reference range for Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index)?

The standard reference range for Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) is Reported per fatty acid as a percentage of total, with derived ratios and indices against method-specific intervals # REVIEWER FLAG: Fatty-acid intervals and derived indices (e.g. omega-3 index, omega-6:omega-3 ratio) are method-specific — reviewer to confirm reported analytes, specimen (red cell vs plasma), and intervals.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) (Fatty Acids) is a clinical biomarker used in vitamins-minerals assessment. Fatty acids are structural components of cell membranes and precursors to eicosanoids and other signalling molecules. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Reported per fatty acid as a percentage of total, with derived ratios and indices against method-specific intervals # REVIEWER FLAG: Fatty-acid intervals and derived indices (e.g. omega-3 index, omega-6:omega-3 ratio) are method-specific — reviewer to confirm reported analytes, specimen (red cell vs plasma), and intervals.
Units: % of total fatty acids, µmol/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Vitamins & Minerals

Functional medicine optimalFor the omega-3 index, higher values are generally regarded as favourable; other analytes are interpreted as a profile # REVIEWER FLAG: Omega-3 index targets are evidence-based but method-dependent — reviewer to confirm target and methodology.

What is Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index)?

Fatty acids are structural components of cell membranes and precursors to eicosanoids and other signalling molecules. The panel reports omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated, and trans fatty acids together with derived ratios, reflecting dietary intake and endogenous metabolism over the period represented by the specimen type.

Why is Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) measured?

Fatty-acid profiling informs dietary guidance regarding omega-3 intake and the omega-6-to-omega-3 balance. Certain measures, notably the red-cell omega-3 index, have a reasonable evidence base as markers of omega-3 status and cardiovascular risk, while broader interpretation of the full fatty-acid profile in functional practice is less well established.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Reported per fatty acid as a percentage of total, with derived ratios and indices against method-specific intervals # REVIEWER FLAG: Fatty-acid intervals and derived indices (e.g. omega-3 index, omega-6:omega-3 ratio) are method-specific — reviewer to confirm reported analytes, specimen (red cell vs plasma), and intervals.
Functional medicine optimal: For the omega-3 index, higher values are generally regarded as favourable; other analytes are interpreted as a profile # REVIEWER FLAG: Omega-3 index targets are evidence-based but method-dependent — reviewer to confirm target and methodology.
Units: % of total fatty acids, µmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index)

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-VIT-008Comprehensive

NutrEval FMV (Comprehensive Functional Nutritional Assessment)

Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) reference range in this test: Reported per fatty acid as a percentage of total, with derived ratios and indices against method-specific intervals # REVIEWER FLAG: Fatty-acid intervals and derived indices (e.g. omega-3 index, omega-6:omega-3 ratio) are method-specific — reviewer to confirm reported analytes, specimen (red cell vs plasma), and intervals.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Organic Acids (Metabolic Analysis Markers — energy, B-vitamin, neurotransmitter, and detoxification-related)Organic Acids1 test Amino Acids (essential, non-essential, and intermediary metabolites)Amino Acids1 test Nutrient and Toxic Elements (e.g. magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium; lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium)Elements1 test Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Markers (e.g. 8-OHdG, lipid peroxides, glutathione, CoQ10, vitamin E)Oxidative Stress2 tests Direct Vitamin and Nutrient Markers (e.g. vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, CoQ10, homocysteine)Vitamins / Nutrients1 test

Order tests measuring Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated and trans fats; e.g. EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid, omega-3 index) for your patients

Available exclusively to verified licensed healthcare practitioners. CLIA-certified laboratory results delivered to your secure portal.

Create Free Account