Arachidonic Acid / EPA Ratio

Specialist

also aa:epa

What it isA ratio of two long-chain fatty acids in cell membranes — arachidonic acid (pro-inflammatory mediators) over EPA (anti-inflammatory mediators).

DoesCaptures the inflammatory tone built into the membrane lipid pool. Cell signals downstream of membrane phospholipids depend on this balance.

GoodA low ratio shifts membrane signaling toward anti-inflammatory mediators and tracks lower cardiovascular and inflammatory disease risk.

BadA high ratio drives pro-inflammatory signaling and increases cardiovascular events.

Standard

Western average ~10–15.

Optimal

1.5–3.0 (lower is good)

Modifiers

Diet-dominated — high seed oil intake raises AA, fatty fish lowers ratio.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: —
Diet: Fatty fish 2–3×/week; eliminate seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed); olive oil, butter, ghee for cooking.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day, EPA-heavier formulations); GLA from borage oil for some.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Icosapent ethyl (prescription EPA).

within Cholesterol & Lipids