Arachidonic Acid (AA)
Lipids marker
Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic Acid (AA)
The principal long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, measured as a percentage of total fatty acids. It is the substrate for many pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, and its level relative to EPA (the AA/EPA ratio) is a widely used index of the body's inflammatory fatty-acid balance.
PED Notes
Arachidonic acid is not villainous in itself: it is essential for membrane function and, in the training world, is even used as a supplement to amplify the inflammatory signalling that supports muscle hypertrophy. The issue for cardiovascular and general inflammatory status is balance, specifically AA relative to EPA. A high AA percentage with a low EPA percentage (a high AA/EPA ratio) reflects a pro-inflammatory milieu, which is unhelpful on top of the cardiovascular strain AAS already impose. The lever is not usually to cut AA but to raise EPA/DHA so the ratio improves. Values are matrix and method dependent.
When high
When arachidonic acid (or the AA/EPA ratio) is high:
- The practical target is the balance, not AA alone. Raise EPA/DHA to bring the AA/EPA ratio down rather than trying to strip out an essential fatty acid.
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g combined per day; the most effective way to shift the ratio favourably
- Reduce excess omega-6 intake from industrial seed oils and heavily processed foods
- If arachidonic acid is being taken as a hypertrophy supplement, recognise the trade-off with inflammatory balance and cardiovascular status, and ensure omega-3 intake is high alongside it
- Recheck the panel after 8-12 weeks
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range