What Does It Mean?
- Omega deficiency occurs when there is an imbalance or insufficient levels of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6.
- Functional medicine addresses omega deficiencies by evaluating dietary intake, inflammation levels, and fatty acid metabolism.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Poor Dietary Intake: Insufficient consumption of omega-3-rich foods such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can deplete omega-3 levels, leading to an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
- Metabolic Dysfunction: Impaired fatty acid metabolism reduces omega-3 absorption and utilization.
- High Processed Food Consumption: Diets high in processed foods contain excessive omega-6 fatty acids, leading to an imbalance.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Dry, flaky skin and hair loss
- Increased inflammation and joint pain
- Cognitive dysfunction, brain fog, and mood imbalances
- Fatigue and poor energy levels
- Cardiovascular concerns due to an imbalanced lipid profile
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests assess omega balance and fatty acid status:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Arachidonic Acid : EPA Ratio | Increased | 3.7-40.7 µg/mL |
| Arachidonic Acid (AA) | Increased | 8.6-15.6 µg/mL |
| Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) | Decreased | 1.2-3.9 µg/mL |
| Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) | Decreased | 0.8-1.8 µg/mL |
| Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) | Decreased | 0.2-2.3 µg/mL |
| Linoleic Acid | Increased | 18.6-29.5 µg/mL |
| Neutrophil % | Normal or Increased | 48.00-60.00 % |
| Omega-3 total | Decreased | 5.4-10 µg/mL |
| Omega-6 : Omega-3 Ratio | Increased | 3.7-14.4 |
| Omega-6 total | Increased | 11-43 µg/mL |
| Omegacheck (EPA+DPA+DHA) | Decreased | 5.4-50 µg/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on restoring omega balance through dietary and supplementation strategies.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Omega | Provides essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) to correct deficiency | 2 capsules with food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Omega-3 Intake: Consume fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and flaxseeds.
- Reduce Processed Foods: Minimize omega-6-rich processed foods and vegetable oils.
- Monitor Lipid Levels: Regular testing of omega-3 and omega-6 levels to track progress.
- Manage Inflammation: Implement an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle modifications.