FAp – Fatty Acids Profile
Comprehensive Plasma Fatty Acid Testing for Practitioners
The FAp Fatty Acids Profile™ from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory provides a comprehensive analysis of plasma fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 levels and their critical Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio — a key indicator of inflammation and chronic disease risk.
This comprehensive test evaluates saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids to offer insight into a patient's metabolic, cardiovascular, and nutritional status.
Documents
Explore our Fatty Acids Profile educational resources. Learn about the markers on the test and how they impact overall health so you can better interpret results.
Clinical Information
Why Fatty Acid Testing Matters
By quantifying 20 individual fatty acids, the report helps practitioners assess fatty acid imbalances that may predispose patients to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammatory conditions
- Metabolic disorders
- Mood and cognitive concerns
A high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio is associated with chronic inflammation in the body and maintaining a healthy balance can significantly reduce disease risk and improve wellness outcomes.
Actionable Insights for Personalized Care
The Fatty Acids Profile report includes individual fatty acids, totals, and ratios, a summary page as well as nutritional recommendations that empower healthcare providers to personalize diet, supplement, and lifestyle strategies to improve fatty acid distribution and optimize overall health.
Whether addressing chronic inflammation, improving omega balance, or optimizing nutritional status, the Fatty Acids Profile is a powerful tool for personalized, evidence-based care.
What Are Fatty Acids and Why Test Levels in Blood?
Fatty acids are used as a source of energy (through the intake of calories) and provide an essential structural foundation for cell membranes (lipid bilayers). The dietary composition and balance of these fatty acids will influence the integrity of cell membranes and thus exert a powerful influence on cellular health. Fatty acid testing is an important tool in the support and management of a variety of health concerns, including:
- Heart health
- Diabetes, insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, and obesity
- Liver disease
- Skin conditions
- Brain health
- Mood disorders
- Liver processing
Key Benefits of the Fatty Acids Profile Test
Maintaining the right balance of fatty acids is essential to health. Testing blood levels is the only way to know an individual’s fatty acid distribution and status. Key benefits of using the Fatty Acid Profile include:
- Disease Risk Stratification: Enhanced ability to identify fatty acid imbalances that may be negatively impacting patient health.
- Nutritional Assessment: Offers critical insights into patients' dietary patterns, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake, aiding in the development of tailored nutritional interventions.
- Personalized Medicine: Plasma fatty acid testing can help clinicians better target and individualize diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations by identifying individual fatty acids, key patterns, and the need for nutrient cofactors.
About the Fatty Acid Profile
The Fatty Acid Profile from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory evaluates 20 individual fatty acids, including key polyunsaturated (PUFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), saturated fatty acids, as well as an index of omega‑3 and the omega 6/3 ratio. Insights from the Fatty Acid Profile can identify imbalances in circulating fatty acids and issues in key areas including:
- Individual essential fatty acids Alpha-Linolenic (ALA) & Linoleic (LA)
- Total omega 3’s (EPA, DPA, DHA)
- Dietary Fatty Acid Balance
- Omega-3 insufficiency
- Omega-6 excess
- Excess dietary saturated fats
- Enzyme functionality, competition, and need for nutrient cofactors
- Δ5, Δ6, Δ9 Desaturase Enzymes - Cofactors include B2, B3, B6, Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium
- Elongase Enzymes – Cofactors include B3, B5, B6, Biotin, Vitamin C
Optimize Outcomes With the Fatty Acid Profile
Fatty Acid Profile Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Fatty Acid Profile test used for?
The Fatty Acid Profile provides a comprehensive analysis of plasma fatty acids to identify potential imbalances that may contribute to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and more. The test can also be used as a wellness check to determine if your diet and current supplement regime are promoting optimal fatty acid balance.
Who should consider getting a fatty acid test?
Fatty acid testing is recommended for patients with symptoms related to heart health, mood, skin, weight, or metabolic function. Anyone interested in optimizing wellness may benefit from fatty acid testing, as proper balance of FA’s has a profound influence on proper cellular functioning.
What does an Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio indicate?
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio is a key indicator of inflammatory balance in the body. A high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may signal increased inflammation and chronic disease risk.
What is the Index of Omega-3 and why is it important?
The Index of Omega-3 on the Fatty Acid Profile measures EPA and DHA levels in the blood as a ratio of all other fatty acids tested. Higher levels are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and better cognitive health.
How can fatty acid imbalances be improved?
Practitioners can use the insights from the FAp Fatty Acids Profile to recommend dietary adjustments, optimize supplement brand and dosing (like fish oil or flaxseed), and optimize nutrient cofactors such as zinc or B vitamins.
Is this test suitable during pregnancy?
Yes. Monitoring fatty acid levels during pregnancy is important for fetal development, especially brain and nervous system formation.
How often should fatty acid levels be tested?
Most patients retest every 3–6 months depending on their health goals and whether they’re implementing dietary or supplement changes.
Test Ordering Options
- FAp - Fatty Acids Profile – Blood Plasma
If you already have an account with us, you may order through our online Practitioner Portal accessible at the top of this page.
Complementary Panels for Complex Cases
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AAp™ - Amino Acids Profile – Blood Plasma – The Amino Acid Profile from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory uses a systems-biology approach to evaluate essential and non-essential amino acids in plasma.
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OAp™ - Organic Acids Profile – Urine – The Organic Acids Profile is a comprehensive organic acids test designed to provide deeper insights into metabolism, gut health, mitochondrial function, and nutrient status.
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GI-MAP – The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
Patient Information
Are You a Patient? We're Here to Help
The FAp Fatty Acids Profile must be ordered by a licensed healthcare provider. If you're interested in this test, ask your doctor if it is right for you.
Need Help Finding a Practitioner Who Can Order It?
Please contact us at 877-485-5336 or complete our Contact Us form. We’ll be happy to assist you.
Billing
Please visit our Patient Billing Policies page for online answers to common billing and payment questions.
* Fatty Acids Profile testing is not intended for disease diagnosis. Information provided by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory does not constitute medical advice; but is for educational purposes only. Services provided are for laboratory testing only. No charge is incurred for ordering collection kits.
