Omega-6 : Omega-3 ratio
Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body needs but cannot manufacture itself. Omega-3 fats are used as the building blocks for fat derived hormones such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The hormones with an Omega-3 base tend to reduce inflammation, while those that have an Omega-6 base increase inflammation
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in the cell membranes is key to the development of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. The ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 in the West is around 15 to 1, fifteen times more Omega-6 on the cell membrane promoting inflammation. Having twice as much Omega-6 is considered by most experts to be the optimal amount ie a ratio of 2:1 Many people are aware of the health benefits of Omega-3 but the supplementation to achieve optimal health is erratic. Being able to test for Essential Red Cell Fatty Acids (Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio) identifies a person’s current status and is sufficiently specific to allow an accurate supplementation recommendation to be made.