Understanding DHA/AA Ratio: Normal vs Optimal Ranges
Also known as: dha/aa
?What is DHA/AA Ratio?
The DHA/AA ratio compares docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3) to arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6) in red blood cell membranes or plasma. DHA is anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective; AA is the precursor to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes). The ratio reflects the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory fatty acid signalling, with higher ratios being cardioprotective and neuroprotective.
!Why It Matters
A high AA/DHA ratio (low DHA/AA) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, depression, cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, and poor neonatal brain development. Japanese populations with very high fish intake have DHA/AA ratios >1, correlating with their dramatically lower cardiovascular mortality despite high saturated fat intake. The DHA/AA ratio provides more nuanced information than the omega-3 index alone by accounting for omega-6 competition.
Reference Ranges
| Range Type | Min | Max | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Normal | 0.5 | 2 | ratio | Standard lab reference range |
| Optimal | 0.75 | 2 | ratio | Evidence-based optimal range for health |
| Longevity Target | 0.75 | 2 | ratio | Per longevity medicine research (Attia et al.) |
Lab normal ranges may vary between laboratories. Optimal and longevity targets are based on research literature and should be interpreted with your physician.
Symptoms of Imbalance
- Low DHA/AA: dry eyes, poor skin health, mood disturbances
- Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment
- Inflammatory conditions: cardiovascular, autoimmune, metabolic
- Poor recovery from exercise or injury
How to Improve Your Levels
- 1Increase EPA/DHA: fatty fish 3+ times per week or algae-based DHA supplement
- 2Reduce AA precursors: limit arachidonic acid-rich foods (corn-fed meat, processed foods)
- 3Limit omega-6 vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, soybean) that compete with omega-3 metabolism
- 4Target omega-3 index >8% and DHA/AA ratio >0.75
- 5Consider high-dose DHA supplementation if ratio is low and cognitive support is needed
When to Test
Cardiovascular risk evaluation; depression or cognitive decline workup; neonatal development assessment; anti-inflammatory therapy monitoring; omega-3 supplementation response.
Related Biomarkers
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