About Omega 6: Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic Acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is a key component of cell membranes. It serves as a precursor to a wide array of eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammation and other cellular signaling pathways.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
30.0 - 70.0 µg/mL
Women's Optimal Range
30.0 - 70.0 µg/mL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate increased risk of inflammatory diseases and could contribute to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
Low
Low levels may be associated with compromised immune function and poor wound healing, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and skin issues.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, immune dysfunction, and poor growth.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- rklund, M., Wu, J. H. Y., Imamura, F., Del Gobbo, L. C., Fretts, A., de Goede, J., ... & Mozaffarian, D. (2019). Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality. Circulation, 139(21), 2422–2436.
- rris, W. S., Mozaffarian, D., Rimm, E., Kris-Etherton, P., Rudel, L. L., Appel, L. J., ... & Sacks, F. (2009). Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation, 119(6), 902–907.
- rvid, M. S., Ding, M., Pan, A., Sun, Q., Chiuve, S. E., Steffen, L. M., ... & Hu, F. B. (2014). Dietary Linoleic Acid and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Circulation, 130(18), 1568–1578.
- msden, C. E., Zamora, D., Majchrzak-Hong, S. F., Faurot, K. R., Broste, S. K., Frantz, R. P., ... & Hibbeln, J. R. (2013). Reevaluation of the Traditional Diet-Heart Hypothesis: Analysis of Recovered Data From Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968–1973). BMJ, 346, e8707.
- lder, P. C. (2015). Functional Roles of Fatty Acids and Their Effects on Human Health. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 39(1_suppl), 18S–32S.