Measurements + Calculations

What We Analyse
Our Calculations

What We Analyse

The Zinzino BalanceTest analyses the level of fatty acids in capillary blood obtained from a fingertip using the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) technique. At the time of taking the sample, the values reflect your diet for the last 120 days, which is the lifetime of blood cells.

The test analyses 11 fatty acids, which constitute approximately 98% of all fatty acids in the blood, including saturated, monounsaturated (Omega-9) and polyunsaturated (Omega-6 and Omega-3) fatty acids.

Individual fatty acid values are expressed as percentages of the total fatty acids analysed. For comparison, the average range for each fatty acid (based on the data obtained from a large group of balanced people) is presented as Target Value.

Palmitic acid, C16:0, saturated fat

Stearic acid, C18:0, saturated fat

Oleic acid, C18:1, Omega-9

Linoleic acid, C18:2, Omega-6

Alpha-linolenic acid, C18:3, Omega-3

Gamma-linolenic acid, C18:3, Omega-6

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, C20:3, Omega-6

Arachidonic acid (AA), C20:4, Omega-6

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), C20:5, Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), C22:5, Omega-3

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), C22:6, Omega-3

Our Calculations

Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega-3 Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
Omega-6 Arachidonic acid (AA)
Omega-6 Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
Saturated fat, Palmitic acid (PA)
Saturated fat, Stearic acid (SA)

The 6 result values

Protection Value

First, the following 3 recognised health indicators are calculated:

The value for an Omega-6 percentage is calculated like this: (DGLA+AA) * 100 / (DGLA+AA+EPA+DPA+DHA)
The value for the Omega-3 level is the sum of EPA+DHA
The Balance value is calculated as Omega-6 (AA) / Omega-3 (EPA)

Each indicator value is given the same weight in a second calculation and assigned a value between 0 and 100, which is then divided by 3 to get the Protection Value that ideally should be above 90. Note! EPA and DHA values have a high impact on all the calculations and if EPA and DHA percentages are low, then as a result very low or even zero Protection Values are not uncommon.

Omega-3 Index

The Omega-3 Index is the summary of the percentage values for the two marine Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The ideal combined level is at least 8%, but higher values like 10% are desirable.

Omega-6:3 Balance

The balance is calculated by dividing the percent value of AA with the percent value of EPA (AA / EPA), which is then expressed as a Balance value, for example 3:1. The Omega-6:3 Balance in the body should preferably be below 3:1.

Cell Membrane Fluidity

Fluidity is calculated by dividing the percent value of the two saturated fats with the percent value of the two Omega-3’s. The fluidity value is thus defined as (PA+SA) / (EPA+DHA), and the result is expressed as a fluidity index, for example 3:1. If the fluidity value is below 4:1, it shows that there is sufficient fluidity in cell membranes.

Mental Strength

This is calculated by dividing the percent value of AA with the sum of the percent values of EPA and DHA, i.e. the Mental Strength value = AA / (EPA+DHA). The result is expressed as a mental strength value, for example 1:1. The value should be below 1:1 for sufficient and balanced supply of both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to the brain and the nervous system.

Arachidonic Acid (AA) Index

The AA Index shows the measured value of the Omega-6 fatty acid Arachidonic acid (AA) as a percentage out of the total fatty acids measured. Good average values are in the range of 6.5 to 9.5% with an optimum target value of 8.3%.