Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Lipids marker
Omega-6 Total
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
The summed percentage of all omega-6 fatty acids on the panel (chiefly linoleic acid and arachidonic acid) as a fraction of total fatty acids. Omega-6 fats are essential but, in a Western diet, usually abundant, so the informative figure is the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio rather than the total alone.
PED Notes
Omega-6 fats are essential and typically plentiful, so a high Omega-6 Total by itself is rarely the problem; what matters is the omega-6 to omega-3 balance. A high omega-6 total paired with a low omega-3 total gives an elevated omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which favours a pro-inflammatory eicosanoid environment. For AAS users, whose cardiovascular and inflammatory status is already under pressure, keeping that ratio in check by raising EPA/DHA (rather than aggressively cutting essential omega-6s) is the sensible approach. Values are matrix and method dependent.
When high
When Omega-6 Total is high (relative to omega-3):
- The goal is to correct the ratio, not to eliminate essential omega-6 fats. Raise EPA/DHA with fish oil (2-3g/day) or oily fish.
- Trim excess omega-6 from industrial seed oils and ultra-processed foods, while keeping whole-food sources (nuts, seeds).
- Track the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and the Omega-3 Index over time rather than the omega-6 total in isolation; recheck after 8-12 weeks.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range