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Omega 3 + 6

Omega-3/6 Ratio Test

Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 can help manage chronic inflammation, which becomes increasingly important for cardiovascular and cognitive health as you age.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Omega 3 + 6: what this test measures

This test measures the relative proportions of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your blood. A lower ratio (more omega-3 relative to omega-6) is generally considered more favourable.

Omega 3 + 6: why this value matters

Modern Western diets often have an imbalanced ratio favouring omega-6. Improving this balance may reduce chronic inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Omega 3 + 6: how the blood test works

Referral: No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw: A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where: 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Omega 3 + 6: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended as part of cardiovascular risk assessment, inflammation evaluation, or nutritional status assessment, especially if you follow a specific dietary pattern.

Omega 3 + 6: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

A low ratio (favourable) is not associated with symptoms and generally indicates good fatty acid balance.

High Levels

A high ratio (excess omega-6) may contribute to chronic inflammation but does not cause direct symptoms. Over time, it may be associated with increased inflammatory and cardiovascular risk.

Omega 3 + 6: lifestyle and this value

Increase omega-3 intake through fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, and flaxseeds. Reduce omega-6 by limiting processed seed oils and fried foods.

Omega 3 + 6: frequently asked questions

What is a healthy omega-3/omega-6 ratio?

There is no single universal target, but many experts suggest a ratio closer to 1:1 to 1:4 is more favourable than the typical Western diet ratio. Your healthcare provider can advise.

Can I improve my ratio with supplements?

Omega-3 supplements (fish oil or algae-based) can help improve the ratio. However, reducing omega-6 intake from processed foods is equally important. Discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Why is omega-6 considered inflammatory?

Omega-6 fatty acids produce pro-inflammatory signalling molecules. While some inflammation is necessary, excessive omega-6 relative to omega-3 may promote chronic inflammation.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

GLP-1

GLP-1 Baseline Panel

Your starting point before the first injection: blood sugar, cholesterol, pancreas, liver, kidneys, thyroid and nutrients in one measurement.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) HOMA-IR eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) LDL Cholesterol Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio

€214,-

GLP-1

GLP-1 Extended Panel

The 6-month measurement: everything from the check-in plus insulin, ApoB and your nutrients — especially relevant if you have been eating much less for a while.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides HOMA-IR eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) LDL Cholesterol Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio

€196,-

GLP-1

GLP-1 Check-in Panel

The 3-month safety and progress check clinics do: pancreas, liver, kidneys, salts and your metabolic progress on GLP-1 medication.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Lipase Creatinine Triglycerides eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) LDL Cholesterol Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio

€109,-

GLP-1