Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

AA/EPA Ratio: Meaning & Normal Values

The AA/EPA ratio measures the balance between arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the blood and is a key biomarker for systemic inflammation risk.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "AA/EPA ratio"

The AA/EPA ratio measures the balance between arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the blood and is a key biomarker for systemic inflammation risk.

What is the AA/EPA Ratio?

The AA/EPA ratio (also called the AA/EPA quotient) is a laboratory value that reflects the balance between two long-chain fatty acids in the blood: arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Both fatty acids play important roles in the body's inflammatory processes, but they act in opposite directions.

Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found primarily in animal-based foods. In the body, it is converted into pro-inflammatory signalling molecules known as eicosanoids. Eicosapentaenoic acid, on the other hand, is an omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in oily fish and marine algae. It exerts anti-inflammatory effects. The ratio of these two fatty acids therefore provides a direct indication of the body's inflammatory potential.

Clinical Significance

A high AA/EPA ratio indicates a dominance of pro-inflammatory processes and has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. A lower ratio suggests a more balanced inflammatory status and reduced systemic inflammation risk.

Cardiovascular disease: An elevated AA/EPA ratio is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Chronic inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis are often associated with a higher ratio.
Metabolic syndrome: Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus have also been linked to an unfavourable AA/EPA ratio.
Mental health: Research suggests associations between a high AA/EPA ratio and the occurrence of depression and cognitive decline.

Reference Values and Assessment

In Western industrialised countries, the AA/EPA ratio in whole blood is typically between 10:1 and 20:1, reflecting a marked dominance of arachidonic acid. A ratio of approximately 2.5:1 to 5:1 is generally considered health-promoting. In Japan, where traditional diets are rich in fish, values of around 1.5:1 to 3:1 are commonly observed.

The measurement is typically performed using fasting whole blood or plasma samples. It is a specialised laboratory test not part of standard routine diagnostics, but it is commonly used in preventive medicine or for individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.

Influencing Factors and Diet

The AA/EPA ratio is strongly influenced by dietary habits. Key factors include:

High consumption of omega-6-rich foods (e.g., sunflower oil, red meat, processed fast food) increases the AA component and therefore raises the ratio.
Regular intake of oily fish (e.g., salmon, herring, mackerel) or supplementation with omega-3 products (fish oil, algae oil) increases the EPA component and lowers the ratio.
Lifestyle factors: Physical inactivity, chronic stress, and smoking can further worsen the AA/EPA ratio.

Treatment and Optimisation

To reduce an elevated AA/EPA ratio, the following measures are recommended:

Increase oily fish consumption (at least two portions per week, as recommended by major nutrition organisations)
Supplement with high-quality omega-3 products containing EPA and DHA, especially for those following vegan or vegetarian diets
Reduce intake of omega-6-rich oils and highly processed foods
Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet as a long-term anti-inflammatory dietary strategy
Engage in regular physical activity and stress reduction practices

Dietary changes can produce measurable improvements in the AA/EPA ratio within several weeks to months.

References

Simopoulos, A.P. (2002): The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. In: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 56(8), pp. 365-379. PubMed PMID: 12442909.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2008): Interim Summary of Conclusions and Dietary Recommendations on Total Fat and Fatty Acids. WHO, Geneva.
Calder, P.C. (2015): Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. In: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1851(4), pp. 469-484. PubMed PMID: 25149823.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.