A guide to Arachidonic Acid (Omega-6)

WRITTEN BY

The Levels Team

Updated: 05/22/2025|12 min read

Summary

Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal products and can be derived from linoleic acid in plants. It plays key roles in inflammation, cell signaling, and brain health.

Why It Matters

AA is a prime building block in your body with multiple functions. It’s a significant component of cell membranes, particularly in your brain, muscles, and liver. When damaged or stressed, your cells release arachidonic acid, which then gets converted into various signaling molecules that control inflammation, blood clotting, and pain response.

Arachidonic acid is essential for proper neuron function in the brain and helps form memories. It also supports brain growth during early development and is a precursor to molecules that are crucial for muscle growth and recovery after exercise. Additionally, AA contributes to immune function and helps resolve infections.

However, while some AA is necessary for health, too much can drive inflammation (it’s a precursor molecule for inflammation, too). Testing arachidonic acid is helpful because it shows your inflammatory potential and indicates high omega-6 intake relative to omega-3s. Knowing your levels can help explain chronic inflammation and guide dietary changes.

Benefits of Arachidonic Acid

While AA is often associated with inflammation, it plays several beneficial roles:

• Brain function: Supports cognitive function and memory.
• Muscle repair and growth: Essential for recovery after exercise.
• Immune response: Helps fight infections and heal wounds.
• Cell membrane integrity: Supports overall cellular health.

Risks of Deficiency

While high AA levels can promote inflammation, deficiency may lead to:

• Impaired cognitive or neurological function.
• Weakened immune response.
• Poor muscle repair and slower recovery from injuries.
• Increased risk of developmental issues in infants.

Clinical Ranges

Lab Reference Range: 8.6-15.6 % by wt

Lifestyle Factors That Can Impact It

Activities that decrease arachidonic acid levels include the following:

• A plant-based diet reduces direct AA intake.
• A Mediterranean (or whole natural foods) diet provides a good fatty acid balance.
• Regular moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy AA balance.

Activities that increase arachidonic acid levels include the following:

• High intake of animal products provides direct sources of AA.
  • High in AA: Red meat, egg yolks, liver, poultry, dairy.
• Chronic stress triggers AA release from inflammation.
• Poor sleep increases inflammation and AA release.

Other Factors That Can Impact It

Medical Conditions

• Inflammatory diseases: trigger increased AA release
• Obesity: raises levels through chronic inflammation
• Autoimmune conditions: increase levels via inflammatory response

Medications

• Steroids: decrease levels by reducing inflammation
• Aspirin affects metabolism of AA
• Birth control: may increase levels through hormonal effects

Diet

• Animal products: provide direct sources of AA
• Fish oil/omega-3s: help balance AA levels

Testing Accuracy and Stability

Recent diet, stress, and exercise can influence AA levels. So, proper timing and preparation are essential for accurate assessment.

Factors That Can Affect Your Test Results

• High-fat meals can affect levels
• Intense exercise can raise levels
• Acute stress can temporarily increase levels.

How it Relates to Other Markers

Understanding AA’s relationship with other fatty acids and inflammatory markers helps provide context for your results. AA interacts with numerous other substances in complex ways that affect overall health. Key related markers include:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA competes with AA for enzymes. Higher EPA typically lowers AA.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA works with EPA to balance AA’s effects on inflammation.
• Omega-6/omega-3 ratio: This test shows your overall inflammatory balance. AA is a major omega-6.
• Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6): These reflect AA’s effect on inflammation.
• Prostaglandins: These inflammatory molecules are made from AA, so a high level may indicate higher levels of AA.
• Cortisol: This stress hormone inhibits AA release.
• Lipid panel: High AA may increase lipids (fats) in the blood.

Follow-up Considerations

You should always talk to your doctor if you have medical concerns or questions.

When Re-Testing May be Appropriate

• Normal levels: Every 6–12 months
• High levels: Every 3–4 months until normalized
• Low levels: Every 3–4 months until normalized
• During dietary changes: Every 3 months
• With inflammatory conditions: Monthly

Additional Testing Your Doctor May Consider

• Complete fatty acid panel
• Cardiovascular risk markers, such as hs-CRP, Lp-PLA2, or oxidized LDL
• Metabolic health measures
• Immune function tests
• Hormone panel

Bibliography