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Essential Fatty Acid Test
EFAs are required for growth, reproduction, skin and hair condition and wound healing. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) also lower plasma triglyceride levels and play a structural role in the brain and retina.
EFAs provide the substrate for eicosanoids (prostaglandins) which play a vital role in the regulation of inflammatory conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly deficient in the diet and may play a significant role in maternal health and neurological function in infants.
Essential fatty acids are clinically proven to play an important role in :
- heart disease
- psoriasis
- asthma
- depression
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
- bowel cancer
- non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus
- schizophrenia
- the learning performance of school children
- the reduction in severity of the symptoms of arthritis.
The classic symptoms of EFA deficiency are those related to skin (dry, scaly, poor wound healing) and hair (dull, dry, dandruff), however confirmation is required biochemically by assay of either red
blood cell, plasma and/or phospholipid fatty acids.
Plasma fatty acids are considered to reflect short-term dietary changes, whereas red blood cells can provide a longer term view of fatty acid status.
Recent data have shown that plasma phospholipids can provide a long-term view of dietary intake.
How is the Test Done?
You purchase the Essential Fatty Acid Test like other product on The Spinal Centre by adding it to your shopping cart.
Once the transaction is completed The Spinal Centre will send you a referral for the Test and instructions for the pathology laboratory.
Analysis of your blood for the Essential Fatty Acids. Strict control standards assure quality laboratory results.
Raw test data is sent to The Spinal Centre and further evaluated.
An individual, comprehensive and in depth report is generated based on your case history outlining your test results and how to implement the changes to improve your health.
The Spinal Centre will of course provide continuing online support to help you implement your specific plan.
Where are the Test Centres?
Analytical Reference Laboratories have centres and affiliate Pathology Laboratories around Australia.
If required, you can go to your local pathology centre but they may charge you a separate handling fee (usually around $30 to $50).
Is the Test Covered under Medicare?
Unfortunately the test is not covered under Medicare.
This test – and the science behind it – is well beyond the scope of basic testing provided under Medicare.
This is a highly specialised test used by qualified physicians at the cutting edge of sports, behavioural, nutritional and orthomolecular medicine.
Also remember that the test fee will include a comprehensive report and specific product recommendation generated by The Spinal Centre based on your individual requirements.
So in easy terms the report will answer the following questions:
- What are the results?
- What do the results mean?
- What impact will it have on my health?
- What can I do about it?
- What do should I take?
- When should I take it?
- What else should I consider?
Ongoing Support?
Of course.
Once you have had the test rest assured that you will have access to ongoing online support from Dr. Hooper and the The Spinal Centre Team.
We are always there to help you implement the dietary changes and get the BEST results from the Test.
We genuinely want to help you achieve better health.
After all, that is what we are here to do!
For a sample ‘raw data’ report use the following link. Remember this raw data will be interpreted for you in the The Spinal Centre Report.
