Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio
Lipids marker
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio
Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio
The ratio of total omega-6 to total omega-3 fatty acids in the profile. It captures the overall dietary fatty-acid balance; a lower ratio reflects a more anti-inflammatory pattern closer to ancestral diets, while typical Western diets sit much higher.
PED Notes
Where the AA/EPA ratio focuses on the specific inflammatory eicosanoid precursors, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is the broader dietary-balance version. Ancestral intakes were near 1:1 to 4:1, whereas modern Western diets often run 15:1 or higher, a shift linked to greater inflammatory tone. Lowering the ratio is achieved mainly by adding EPA/DHA and moderating industrial omega-6 intake, not by removing essential omega-6 fats. For enhanced athletes this is a straightforward, evidence-based way to support cardiovascular and inflammatory health alongside the harder lipid work. Lower is generally better; values are matrix and method dependent.
When high
When the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is high:
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g combined per day, or algal oil for non-fish eaters, is the main lever to lower the ratio
- Oily fish -- 2-3 servings/week
- Reduce industrial seed oils and ultra-processed foods high in omega-6, while keeping whole-food sources
- Aim to move the ratio toward the low single digits; recheck the panel after 8-12 weeks
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range