Omega-3 is a collective term for a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are considered essential nutrients. “Essential” means the body cannot produce them in sufficient amounts on its own, so they must be obtained through the diet.

There are several types of Omega-3 fatty acids. The most biologically significant long-chain forms are:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

These long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids (containing 20 or more carbon atoms) are primarily found in marine sources such as oily fish.

EPA and DHA play important roles in normal physiological function.

According to approved European health claims:

EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.

DHA contributes to maintaining normal vision.

DHA contributes to normal brain function.

EPA and DHA (at specified daily intakes) contribute to maintaining normal blood triglyceride levels.

EPA and DHA (at specified daily intakes) contribute to maintaining normal blood pressure.

Always follow recommended intake guidelines and seek personalised advice from a qualified health professional if unsure what is appropriate for you.

Inflammation is a natural biological process that plays an important role in the body’s defence and healing systems.

Acute inflammation is generally beneficial. It helps protect the body against infection and supports tissue repair following injury. Common signs of acute inflammation may include swelling, redness, warmth and discomfort in the affected area.

In some cases, however, inflammation may persist beyond its useful purpose. When inflammatory processes remain active over a longer period, this is often referred to as chronic inflammation.

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been associated with a range of long-term health conditions and may be influenced by multiple lifestyle and dietary factors.

Modern dietary patterns can impact inflammatory balance. Nutrients such as long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and polyphenols are recognised for their roles in supporting normal physiological function, including immune system function and inflammatory processes.

How Does Vitamin D Relate to Inflammation?

Vitamin D contributes to:

Normal immune system function

Maintenance of normal muscle function

Maintenance of normal bones and teeth

Normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus

Normal blood calcium levels

A role in the process of cell division

Approved health claims in the European Union recognise vitamin D as contributing to normal immune function and normal inflammatory responses when consumed at appropriate levels.

As always, individual needs vary. Seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional if unsure what is appropriate for your circumstances.

Modern Western diets tend to be high in Omega-6 fatty acids and relatively low in marine-based Omega-3 fatty acids. This can increase the imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 levels in the body.

Maintaining a healthy balance between these fatty acids is important for overall wellbeing.

Both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids act as precursors to hormone-like signalling molecules in the body known as eicosanoids. These signalling molecules play a role in many normal physiological processes.

Eicosanoids derived from Omega-6 fatty acids generally have a more pro-inflammatory effect, whereas those derived from Omega-3 fatty acids have a lower inflammatory potential, with some demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties.

Because these signalling pathways work together, maintaining an appropriate balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids is important.

A balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio supports a healthy balance of eicosanoids. In contrast, a higher Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio may shift this balance towards a more pro-inflammatory state.

The Nordic Council of Ministers recommends that the dietary Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio should be below 5:1.

The World Health Organisation suggests a ratio of approximately 4:1 to support normal cardiovascular health.

The Zinzino BalanceTest is a simple dried-blood spot test you can complete at home.

The process takes less than a minute. Using the enclosed sterile lancet, you gently prick your fingertip and place a few drops of blood onto the filter paper provided in the test kit.

The sample is then sent to Vitas, a certified independent laboratory in Norway, for analysis. Approximately two weeks after the lab receives your sample, your personal results are available online atwww.zinzinotest.com.

The BalanceTest analyses 11 key fatty acids in your blood, representing approximately 98% of the fatty acids present in the sample.

Your results provide insight into:

Your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio

Your Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) levels

Indicators related to arachidonic acid (AA) formation

Your cell membrane fluidity index

Overall dietary fat balance

These markers reflect your dietary fat intake over time and provide an indication of your current fatty acid balance.

When you log in to view your results, you’ll also find guidance on how to interpret them. The report categorises your fatty acid balance as unbalanced, semi-balanced or balanced.

For more detailed information about reading your results, you can log in to your personal dashboard at www.zinzinotest.com.

Omega-3 fatty acids — particularly EPA and DHA — are primarily found in oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies and salmon.

These marine sources provide EPA and DHA in a form that the body readily uses.

There are also plant-based sources of Omega-3, mainly in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is found in foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and some vegetable oils.

While the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, this conversion process is generally limited and inefficient. As a result, relying solely on plant-based sources may make it more difficult to achieve higher EPA and DHA levels.

For individuals who do not regularly consume oily fish, supplementation may be considered as a practical way to support Omega-3 intake. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified health professional if unsure what is appropriate for your circumstances.