About Omega-6: Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic acid (AA) is the omega-6 fatty acid that serves as the direct precursor for pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes — the molecules that amplify pain, fever, and allergic reactions. Moderate levels of arachidonic acid are essential for normal immune function and tissue repair; chronically elevated AA, particularly relative to EPA (the anti-inflammatory omega-3), promotes systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. The arachidonic acid-to-EPA ratio is a more clinically actionable metric than either value in isolation.