Anti-inflammation Test
Purpose:
1. Quantitative measurement of adequacy of omega 3 fatty acids as anti-inflammatory cardiovascular protectants
2. Measurement for cardiovascular risk
3. Can be repeated in six months
Background
This exam assesses risk for cardiovascular events by measuring the protective and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids in your body.
A diet rich omega-3 fatty acids, including also ocean fish rich EPA, DHA, and plant based alpha-linolenic acid helps to reduce inflammation and thus lowers the risks for cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids such as AA and their metabolites are proinflammatory.
One anti-inflammation marker is the omega-3 index, which is the sum of EPA and DHA, expressed as a percentage of total phospholipid fatty acids. Another anti-inflammatory marker is the EPA/AA ratio. When both markers are higher, the risks for cardiovascular events are lower.
Measurements:
- Omega-3 index
- EPA
- DHA
- AA