Dietary Fatty Acids

Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiency Testing and health information

Have you been feeling fatigued or having problems focusing on things lately? It's possible that your body isn't receiving enough fatty acids.

The omega 3 test measures the levels and ratios of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids, Arachidonic Acid, EPA, and DHA. These essential fatty acids are responsible for reducing blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Order yours today from Ulta Lab Tests and get your results confidentially online. 

Fatty acids are energy-storing molecules that are found in cell membranes. White blood cells, red blood cells, plasma phosphatidylcholine, and tissue cells need them to function correctly.

Many different types of fatty acids can be found in food and supplements. Some fatty acids are essential for health, but others are not as important. Knowing which ones to focus on can help you ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.

Only two fatty acids are considered to be essential for human health. These are the essential fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of fatty acid found in omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid found in omega-6 fatty acid.

Fatty acids are essential for the proper function of every cell in your body. They are necessary for healthy brain development, cardiovascular health, and immune system function.

The omega 3 test measures the levels and ratios of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids, Arachidonic Acid, EPA, and DHA. These essential fatty acids are responsible for reducing blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Proper absorption of essential fatty acids is necessary to accomplish various critical physical activities; the body needs enough dietary fat. These functions include:

  • Storage of energy
  • Skin, hair, and eye health
  • The health of the bones and joints
  • The health of the nervous system
  • Reduction of heart disease risk factors
  • Mental well-being

Getting enough essential fatty acids isn't only good for your health. It's a requirement to stay healthy.

If you're not sure how much Dietary Fatty Acids you're getting from your diet, we can help! Based on your results, our lab tests will tell you exactly what kind of fats you should eat more or less.

For additional information on Dietary Fatty Acid Deficiency and Lab Testing, Click here.


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A dietary fatty acid deficiency is rare. But people who suffer from it could experience debilitating effects.

However, it can be difficult to determine whether you actually have it or not. After all, the symptoms could be indicators of other conditions.

The chances are that if you are reading this page, you have a good reason for suspecting dietary fatty acid deficiency.

If that’s the case, our service at Ulta Lab Tests provides plenty of lab tests to screen for abnormal fatty acid levels along with many other dietary deficiencies.

But first, you might want to understand what this condition is and whether you have reason to be concerned.

So, keep reading to learn about what a dietary fatty acid deficiency is. This article will cover a general overview of dietary fatty acid deficiency and what tests can confirm or deny this condition.

What Is A Fatty Acid?

Before answering this question, it's important to understand what a fatty acid is in the first place. To start, fatty acids are energy storage units that makeup components of cell membranes. They're essential for the composition of white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma phosphatidylcholine, and tissue cells.

The body obtains fatty acids by consuming dietary fat. It's impossible for the body to produce its own fatty acids, which is why it's integral that individuals ensure an adequate intake of fatty acids.

There are only two fatty acids that are considered essential for the human body. These essential fatty acids are:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)
  • Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid)

Other fatty acids are considered "conditionally" essential, meaning they may be essential for individuals with specific disease/developmental conditions.

Why are Essential Fatty Acids Important?

Essential fatty acid intake is exactly that - essential. The body needs to ingest enough dietary fat in order to perform numerous important bodily functions. Some of these functions include:

  • Energy storage
  • Skin/hair/eye health
  • Bone/joint health
  • Neurological health
  • Eliminating risk factors for heart disease
  • Mental health

There are many more benefits than the ones listed above. Either way, a proper intake of essential fatty acids isn't simply supplementary to your health. It's absolutely necessary.

What Is A Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiency?

A dietary fatty acids deficiency can also be referred to as essential fatty acids deficiency (EFAD). Either way, as the condition's name indicates, it refers to an individual's lack of adequate fatty acids levels. Most likely, this means that they're lacking in alpha-linolenic acid or linoleic acid levels.

It's a rare condition, both in children and in adults. EFAD is a fairly rare condition in the US, and is caused by inadequate dietary fat intake. It is also more common for there to be a deficiency in EPA and DHA, both of which are omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are the Causes of Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiency?

Once again, this condition is caused by an individual's lack of adequate dietary fat intake. Adequate dietary fat intake can usually be ensured by eating proper amounts of the following foods:

  • Cooking oils
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Animal fat
  • Fish oil

Eating whole foods is the most ideal way to consume dietary fat. But many individuals take omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or vegan omega-3 supplements, to boost their otherwise inadequate dietary fat intake. Studies even indicate a link between fewer heart disease deaths and boosted omega-3 fat intake.

What Are the Risk Factors for Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiency?

Since there tends to be a great number of fatty food sources available in the US, EFAD is fairly uncommon. However, individuals can also develop this condition through low-fat/fat-free diets. For them, simply increasing their dietary fat intake may be enough to regulate essential fatty acid levels.

Those at the end-stage of liver disease also suffer from EFAD. This condition is part of a host of other malnutrition problems sufferers of liver disease may experience.

There are certain populations that might be more at risk for EFAD, whether that be because of developmental and/or environmental concerns. Such populations may suffer from conditions such as:

  • Chronic malnutrition
  • Fat malabsorption conditions
  • Acrodermatitis enteropathica
  • Sjogren-Larsson syndrome

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiency?

Essential fatty acid deficiency can be manifested through several signs and symptoms. Some of these indications include:

  • Dry, scaly rash
  • Anemia
  • Slowed growth rate
  • Alopecia
  • Slowed learning behavior
  • Increased frequency of stools

Which Lab Tests Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor for Dietary Fatty Acids Deficiencies?

At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer an omega-6 and omega-3 test to screen for deficiencies in Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and general dietary fatty acid lab tests to test for an overall dietary fatty acids deficiency.

The omega-3 and -6 fatty acids lab test is conducted as follows:

  1. Patients will get their blood drawn to provide a plasma sample
  2. The plasma is then tested for omega-3 and omega-6 levels
  3. If omega-3/omega-6 levels are inadequate, then the patient is diagnosed with deficiencies in the fatty acids

Benefits of Lab Testing With Ulta Lab Tests for Dietary Fatty Acid Deficiency

Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids lab test today to see if you have a dietary fatty acid deficiency. Afterward, your test results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

So, take control of your health with Ulta Lab Tests today!