Have any of you done the blood test Dr. Sears dicusses in Toxic Fat? I'd like to get it done but don't want to spend $$$. I'm curious if you've had it done, where you had the test done and if you found the results helpful/meaningful.

I had it done, through NutraSource Diagnostics; blood draw was done at my doctor's office. It was very helpful in my case. Dr. Sears has been advising me for many years regarding my fish oil dose and he was able to fine tune it based on my test result.

Hi,
as I can't find any laboratoy that takes the exam I did the triglicerids and HDL exam, made the division and it turned out my numbre is 0.5, while the insuline is 3.9 and I can read Dr Sears recommends 5. Is it too low? I can find nothing in books talking about a too low level, so I think it isn't, isnt'it? Does it mean I'm taking the right amout of fish oil? I was happy to see it, anyway. I feel healthier, I can't explain the sensation. I also feel appy to see my results...
Hughs

Sue,

What were your results of the AA/EPA test (% of AA, EPA, DGLA)? Also, how much of the EicoRx are you taking? Thanks!

enza, in TOXIC FAT (page 83) you'll find Dr. Sears newest recommendations; the ideal fasting insulin is <5 uU/ml and the ideal TG/HDL is <1. You're doing great.

how did yours come out, Sue? and how was your dosage adjusted? and what overall conclusions were drawn?

Hi janet,

My AA/EPA was 4 (test was 2 1/2 years ago). Dr. Sears advised me to 1. Increase my Eico Rx dose by 1 capsule a day (which I did) and 2. Cut back further on Omega 6, as much as possible. The only added Omega 6 I was eating, besides the small amounts found in chicken, turkey, nuts, olive oil and veggies, was 1 teaspoon of organic toasted sesame oil daily, so I cut that out.

I'm planning to do the test again when the newer AA/EPA test becomes available soon (the one mentioned in TOXIC FAT).

Thanks Sue,
I'll read the page you mantion in Toxic Fat.
In fact I feel great and I discovered, during these months in the Zone, that I am really sesitive to any flour. When accidentally have some(not so accidentally actually...) I feel immediatly very tired, sleepy and the day after I have swallowing hands, like I can't move properly. This is getting worse, maybe beacuse I am not having flour practically and my body doesn't want ot receive it anymore
Hughs

enza, you're doing great, and I know what you mean about the flour. :-) That's proof of what a big difference it makes to your body when you stay in the Zone!

Matt,

My AA/EPA was 4. I'd have to dig out the report to find the specifics you asked for (sorry, no time to, I have guests staying here for the rest of the week. :-) At the time of my AA/EPA test, I was taking 1 Eico RX daily, which increased to 2 daily as a result of the test. That eventually ended up causing the spillover effect (eventually it was too much GLA for me).

On the advice of Dr. Sears, a couple months ago I switched to 1 capsule of Omega Rx every third day. Mine is a very unique situation. I've been in the Zone for almost 15 years and I follow strict adherence to the diet. This greatly lowers my level of inflammation, thus lowering my need for fish oil.

Thanks Sue,

I know that less than 9% AA is what people should aim for, and since you follow the Zone so strictly, I was wondering how low you've gotten your AA levels to be.

Thanks Sue. It is so interesting...you eat soy regularly, as I recall. As I have said before, I used to eat tons of soy, years ago, when on the zone, and it worked well. It is curious, because arachadinic acid is everwhere! Is it in soy? (I'm thinkin' no.)

Hi janet,

I'm not quite sure what your point is about soy, unless you're referring to Omega 6. Soy is an excellent protein choice for the Zone according to Barry S; he didn't advise me to eliminate soy from my diet, and incidentally, I don't eat significant amounts of soy.

Matt, I remembered yesterday that my AA was either 10 or 14. The point of trying to eliminate more Omega 6 was, of course, to try to address the AA being just slightly above the ideal range, which is under 10.

oh, my point was simply that for some reason I lost well using soy as a primary protein source. I remember why now...its so lowfat. I was wondering how its omega profile is. I will simply google it now.
I have nothing against soy, just feel that I shouldn't eat much of it, now that I eat meat.

Oh well, Sue, there is omega 6 in soy, but not really a lot, and as you said, you dont really eat it a lot. So much to learn.

hi janet,

Here's a good source for the amount of AA in specific foods: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

The numerical reference for AA is C 20:4 (n-6).

BTW, there is no AA in soy.

here's a big question: how does omega 6 relate to AA?

janet, I'd suggest reading TOXIC FAT to gain the entire picture.

thanks, Sue, I will look it up...have read it but....it's so dense, and scientific, but all the info is there! will post my understanding!

Hi everyone. I'm very new to the Zone Diet and the community. I just found Toxic Fat and was very impressed. My doctor has been advising me to make similar changes as I have high inflammation (as measured by CRP), and Type 2 Diabetes. I just wanted to add a bit about the blood tests. My local lab sends out the test to the Mayo clinic. My doc ordered both the non-esterified (free) fatty acids test, and the essential fatty acid profile test, which I think will contain all of the info. I am pasting the link to the Mayo Clinic's description of their test for the essential fatty acid profile.
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories....tive/82426
This is a blood serum test. They list which acids this tests for. Maybe this info will help folks in working with their doctor.

It'll take me awhile to read through some of the boards here, but I'm glad there is such a robust community. For those of us who suffer from chronic disease and are looking for what the Zone can provide, it helps to have this resource.

Happy New Year,
Martin

Wow, lots of fatty acids on that test, but looks like the ones that we are concerned about here are covered. It is an expensive test. If you have a diagnosis code, then maybe you can get it covered by insurance.

Martin, thanks for the info. It would be interesting to know if the Mayo Clinic testing is being performed in the same manner as that of the testing facilities recommended by Barry Sears. Good luck to you with the Zone, and have a Happy New Year!

Hi Sue and Cranberry Cat,

Thanks for the responses. Since I have been diagnosed with diabetes and high lipids, I was fortunate that my plan covers the test. There are actually tests for other sets of fatty acids, but the essential fatty acids are the ones specified here, which of course, include the ones we are interested in.

It appears there is a lot of emerging technology in this area. I started by looking up Dr. Sears' recommended list in Toxic Fat, in appendix B, on page 242. I emailed the first company, Nutrasource Diagnostics. They emailed me a sample report so I could see what they report. Very nicely organized. They're in Canada, and the test runs $200 CAD, so maybe 10% less in US dollars. You can email them at info@nutrasource.ca and request a sample "Omega Score" report to see what you'd be getting. They responded quite quickly to me.

Sue, you were mentioning types of tests. I am not a doctor, but I do like to research things. I would love to hear from one of the docs or experienced people in our forums on the differences in these tests. I notice on the Nutrasource test that they report an Omega 3 Whole Blood score. They also then report Omega-3 Serum score for the serum fatty acids, and EPA+DHA serum score, and an Omega-3 Index Red Blood Cell score, which seems to correlate to the branded method called HS-Omega 3 index that has been used in much research. On page 2, they list each of the acids by weight percentage, and the lipids totals and ratios, including AA/EPA.

Now I noticed some other folks were offering tests. David Mendosa is a very popular blogger on diabetes, and his article tomorrow addresses this very topic of Omega-3 testing. It's a good article, the link is here:

http://www.healthcentral.com/diabet...ng-omega-3

I went to the website for genesmart to look at their blood test he talks about. I've not read "Inflammation Nation", but apparently this site is from that Doctor. Now this blood test says it's a finger prick test. They are charging only $130, and I noticed they also referenced using the patented HS-Omega 3 Index, which includes the AA/EPA ratio. So, here we see the reference again to this finger prick, whole blood method. Not just measuring serum levels. The faq's for this test are here:

http://www.genesmart.com/pages/omeg...ns/192.php

I also visited Omegaquant, referenced by Mendosa, to see who designed this HS-Omega 3 Index test. Turns out the two docs, one PhD in South Dakota, and the other MD in Munich, Germany, have put a lot of research into validating this test. In fact, on the Nutrasource Red Blood Cell score, they reference these two researchers as the guys who found if the score is above 8%, you have the least chance of sudden death from myocardial infarction. The docs are Harris and von Schacky, and they have their own testing facility as well. They have excellent faqs here:

http://www.omegaquant.com/faqs/

You'll notice OmegaQuant charges $150, which seems to be an average price point for this whole blood, finger prick type test. Genesmart has theirs on discount from $150. Also, notice that Omegaquant uses RBCs and not plasma levels. Nutrasource reports both RBC and serum levels. But the various approaches seem to indicate that an accurate AA/EPA ratio can be obtained from either the Red Blood Cells or the serum. I'd love to hear more on this from other knowledgable folks.

As I was looking through the comments from David Mendosa's blog, one of the comments referenced another lab, from another long time Omega 3 researcher. Lipidlabs will be launched as Dr. Bibus' new website. The current promotional website is here:

http://www.omega3test.com/

Since this also seems to be a home test kit, I am assuming it is a finger prick, whole blood method.

But what is amazing is that this test is being offered FREE right now. That is not a typo. I don't know how long that will last. But I wanted to share that timely piece of information with the forum community. I have no connection with this or any other lab. But free is a good price, and I thought I'd pass along the tip. I've already submitted my name on the list. There's a simple online form there.

I thought to myself, I wonder why they'd offer it free. And then it hit me, you test once, you're likely to test again.

Since Dr. Sears mentions a finger prick test, I suspect it will be whole blood also, and it will still yield the all important ratio. Perhaps Zonelabs will be licensing the HS-Omega 3 Index? I don't know.

But I hope this information helps.

Thank you for welcoming me to this forum.

Happy New Year!

Martin

I recall Dr. Sears talking about introducing a home test kit in the future, and I was hoping to see it (along with a less expensive price tag).

Just for fun, I have sent for the free test kit. I have never done the testing before because of the expense(and lack of a diagnosis, so insurance won't be covering). I will also be happy to share any additional information regarding quality controls, as this is a very important part of the test results.

I, too, signed my wife and I up for the free test kit.
To this point have not had AA/EPA blood test done - TOO EXPENSIVE!

I also signed up for the test for both my husband and I. I am still reading Toxic Fat, had to stop for the holidays.

Thanks Martin! I've also sent for the kit. I haven't been tested before, so this will be interesting ...

Cran, thanks for your offer to keep us posted on the QC :-) .

Laurie

You're welcome! I think that the quality control stuff will be very important in how we judge the reliability of the results.

Hmmm, since Sue has already had a "real" test done, then maybe she would volunteer to share how to put the ratios together, the ones that are "zone-specific"?

And, I had never thought of ordering one for my DH, maybe I should do that! I was also thinking of ordering one for my dad, but maybe I should just send the link to his wife, she can decide. If I put this into his hands, he is likely to ignore it.

You could just order it for your mom in your Dad's name and your Mom's e-mail address. Then when it comes in, she could convince her husband (your dad), and if not - then use it for herself. ??? (With her knowledge and consent, of course.)

yep, qc will be important. Since the test was free, I thought I'd add it to my databank, so to speak. When Zonelabs comes out with a finger price style test, I'll try that as well.

I'll also be happy to share a brief comparison of this free test with my Mayo Clinic results once both are in.

Martin

Martin, that would be an excellent idea, thanks for offering!

Hi Martin,

On average the level of arachidonic acid tends to be lower in the RBC than in the plasma phospholipids.
The ranges Dr. Sears has set forth in his article are only relative to the plasma phospholipids. See: http://drsears.com/ArticlePreview/t...fault.aspx
Since the plasma phospholipids are capable of fatty acid transportation to other cells (including AA) they are a more accurate indicator of inflammation. RBC are dead cells that do not have this capability
We hope this helps,
Tech Support

Well, the testing of whole blood is always going to provide a more accurate result, and there may be differing reference ranges. I think we can take this into consideration. Hopefully, the literature in the test kit or that comes with the results will help us to interpret the results.

I haven't received my test kit yet, so I sent an email back to the company. I received an email back, they state that there has been a huge response to the free offer, and they are backed up. It could be 2-4 weeks before the kit is received.

Just thought I would update everyone.

Thanks Tech Support. I did end up getting my plasma levels tested. I also wrote to the support guys at the lab in Canada that Dr. Sears recommends. Their profile seems to address both plasma levels and the Red Blood Cell-based HS-Omega 3 Index. I am pasting in his comments below. My doctor actually told me he prefers the RBC test because it is more of a longer term average of fatty acids since it measures the amount in the live cell membranes. Those are not dead cells, although they do not perform the transport function that you mention. Personally, I think either test would be helpful for the ratio, since it is the ratio and not the absolute quantity that appears to be important. Since the whole blood/dried blood spot kits seems to be more accessible to the public, I suspect the serum tests requiring a blood draw will not be as widely used for personal testing purposes.

I got my results back from my serum and it was better than I thought it would be: a little less than 6. I started on 7.5 grams of EPA/DHA daily on Jan 4, so we'll see how it looks when I check it again in a few months. I'm also maintaining a zone diet, with excellent results so far with my blood sugar.

Thanks for the helpful input,

Martin

comments pasted from email response:
Hi Martin,

Serum levels usually take about 3-4 weeks to reflect dietary or supplementation changes in fat consumption due the cell turnover rate of the serum phospholipid. Red blood cells typically take 6 weeks and sometimes longer to reflect these changes due to the cell turnover rate of the RBC and it is a slightly ‘deeper pool’ of fatty acids so to speak.
There is a debate in both the academic/research space and commercial blood testing space as to which is more effective. Traditionally all scientific papers with regards to fatty acid supplementation examined the serum phospholipid, there is now increased interest on other blood compartments.

While some labs sell the RBC omega-3 index, what they are actually measuring is the whole blood fatty acid levels and using a published validated correlation equation to determine the equivalent RBC fatty acid levels.

Traditionally our blood test was a direct measure of the serum phospholipid. We have since switched to the whole blood model for several reasons:

1) A new cut-off was published for whole blood omega-3 levels and death in the New England Journal of Medicine

2) In addition to a red blood cell equivalent equation we have an equation for serum phospholipid equivalence which allows us to provide us with 4 different scientific peer reviewed cut-offs in 3 different blood compartments in addition to the serum AA:EPA ratio which is value added to our client

3) It will allow us to transition to blood spot testing. where the industry is going a separation of the blood components into serum, RBC etc. is not possible.



Hope this answers your questions.

Also, just a quick reply to Sue: the Mayo Clinic did do the test in the same manner recommended by Dr. Sears. It was a serum phospholipid test.

Interesting stuff, Martin!

I haven't received my free test yet, but no big deal. I have never done it, and I don't suppose waiting a few more weeks will make a difference in the long run. My test will be a blood spot test. As you suggested, I am basically looking for ratios, and to compare results from one test to another. If the reliability of the test is good, then it should be a good measure of how controlled my inflammation levels are along a continuum of time. That is, provided that I re-test. I still have to consider whether or not I will be spending the money on it.

Thanks for all the additional info Martin.

Happy to share what I find. I hope that with more labs getting involved in the blood spot test, it may become reasonably priced for re-testing purposes. As cranberrycat pointed out, to check over time requires that retest, and the expense. We'll see how the market progresses. I think Dr. Sears may have created a lipids testing mini-industry here. I'll look forward to seeing which lab he ends up working with, or perhaps Zone Labs will offer their own.

Martin, Zone Labs has been developing one for some time (note the mention in TOXIC FAT). It should be available soon.

Sue, do you have any idea how soon "soon" is? I have heard talk of this test for well over a year, but "soon" hasn't arrived yet.

RE: On 31 December 2009, Martin wrote:
.
"... http://www.omega3test.com/
.
Since this also seems to be a home test kit, I am assuming it is a finger prick, whole blood method.
.
But what is amazing is that this test is being offered FREE right now. That is not a typo. I don't know how long that will last. But I wanted to share that timely piece of information with the forum community. I have no connection with this or any other lab. But free is a good price, and I thought I'd pass along the tip. I've already submitted my name on the list. There's a simple online form there. ... "
.
.
I had saved the e-mail when I signed up back in Dec/Jan, and just about a couple of weeks ago, I wrote politely asking if they were still sending out the free test kits, and if so, what the expected time frame was going to be.
.
After my inquiry, a couple of days later, they replied, that they were still sending them out, and that they put mine (two) in the mail. A couple of days later, I received the two finger prick test kits.
.
My wife and I both used them and sent them off end of last week. We should receive the results by e-mail in about 3 weeks.
.
Just curious if any one else has received their free test kits? If not, maybe a polite, gentle inquiry might spur them, as it did for us.....

I hadn't received my test, either. So, I retrieved my old email and have done the same thing. I haven't received it yet but they responded right away and apologized for not getting it sent sooner.

Got my results e-mailed to me this afternoon:
.
.....................................My Result.......Control.......Optimal
Total Omega 3 Score..........10.90..........5.52..........>9%
ALA (18:33).....................0.34..........0.97..........>2%
EPA (20:53).....................3.25..........0.59..........>3%
DPA (22:53) ....................1.99..........1.13..........>2%
DHA (22:63).....................5.04..........3.59..........>5%
% Omega 3 as HUFA
(The Land’s Test) ..............53.87.........23.6..........>50%
Omega 3 Index (RBC
EPA + DHA) .......................8.78............4.43..........>8%
Total Omega 6 Score..........27.17..........42.10..........-----
LA (18:26).....................17.69..........23.90..........-----
DGLA (20:36)...................0.75............1.41.........-----
AA (20:46).......................7.71..........12.84..........<9%
% Omega 6 as HUFA...........46.13..........76.40..........<50%
Omega 6/Omega 3 Ratio......2.49: 1........7.63: 1........<5:1
AA/EPA Ratio......................2.37: 1......21.76: 1........<5:1
.
Now to figure what all of these numbers mean,
though I seem to be at or just better than Optimal,
except for ALA.
.
Dr. Sears recommends (Toxic Fat) an AA/EPA ratio of less than 3 is very good, and 1.5 (BUT no less!) is ideal.

John, I think those results look great! Well, what do I know, but like you said, you are right at the "optimal" and right in the ballpark for what Barry Sears recommends, so I think those are good results!

I just got my kit in the mail, but haven't had a chance to do the test. Actually, I keep forgetting to do it, and end up eating breakfast first-lol.

Hi everyone. I am trying to get back into the Zone 110%. I have wanted to get the blood testing done and I think seeing numbers will be helpful. I have read all of Dr. reqSears books several years ago, except the latest one. So, I just ordered it and will read all of these interesting details again. I believe I will make an appointment for a wellness exam and request the bloodwork to be done. I am curious if I should eat really well in the Zone for 1 - 2 months before, or just go and see what it is now? What do you think?

If you do it now, it could be valuable information to establish a baseline for where you are now, and then you could repeat it again in a few months to see how things change with the improvements that you make.

However, since the test is quite expensive and not covered by insurance, you may want to just to do the tune-up for a few months and then do the test.

I would go with option one, if you can afford it.

Hi Ayesha,

A tip re the AA/EPA test specifically, you'd want to be at your current fish oil dose for at least 30 days proir to the blood draw because it takes 30 days to receive the full effect of the fish oil dosage. Also, the AA/EPA is not available at most labs, only at a handful of specialized labs around the country. You'll find the list of labs the do the test, as well as contace info, in Toxic Fat, when you receive your copy. Good choice of books. Have a nice day!

I am resurrecting this thread to ask: What is the status on the Zone Test at the moment?

What should those of us not in North America do....? The audiobook I listened to mentioned something about a lab in Canada but I am on the other side of the Atlantic for that.
I don't know how the health system in the USA or Canada work, but in Europe you cannot go to your Dr and just tell him/her that you want to take a particular test that you read about in the book...
Any tests that they take has to be related to some illness that the Dr wants to check for.

(I suppose this is the backside of a system where you are not a paying customer....
The Dr does not have to indulge the ideas that the patient has, if he doesn't want to or doesn't believe in it.
I frankly can't see them ordering a test based on somehing I read about in an American bestseller book about health...

I had to see a rheumatologist and she was relatively uninterested in the fact that I had been following an anti-inflammatory diet, even though it is right down her street as a specialist working with inflammatory diseases. She was just pleased that the cortisone course had worked and probably thought the diet had a placebo effect on me.... at best!

How have people handled this?

Hannah, I can partially answer your question... as I work in healthcare and have had personal experiences LOL!

Most doctors here in the US will order tests/labs only IF a disease state has been reached. The exception is for certain preventative measures, but this is highly dictated by what insurances are willing to pay for, based on clinical practice guidelines, published studies, clinical evidence, etc. I have never found any doctor who was willing to write an order for the AA/EPA test, nor the fasting insulin test. So, if I am still interested in having these tests done without a doctor's order, I have to pay for them.

Now, maybe in other areas of the country, this is changing, maybe some doctors are more progressive than others, but it seems as though many follow this "cookbook" mentality regarding preventative care. Healthcare in the US is focused more on treating illness than it is on maintaining health.

Specialists are another issue... you really just have to find the one that subscribes to your point of view. Hard to find, though!

Cranberrycat, for clarification sake, you will still need a doctor's order for your Zone Labs' AA/EPA test, unless something has changed. Tech, want to help me out here?

I don't know about the one offered here, but I have seen other companys who offered testing, in which a doctor's order was not necessary. But, it depends on what state you live in. Seems like there are a few states out east that will NOT do the test without a doctor's order.

I thought doctor orders were required by law (FDA) for licensed labs performing blood testing, not just by certain states in the eastern US. Again, maybe Tech can fill us in.

But where is the test done? I don't mind paying for it, I just want to find somewhere that will do it for me....
But I wouldn't have thought that it's normal to send your blood half across the globe for a test.... or is it?
Maybe the blood would get damaged in transit.....

A doctor's order is required if insurance coverage is anticipated. No test will be covered by any insurance without a doctor's order.

Each entity can make it their own policy to do a specific test with or without an order. Most health care facilities will require an order. However, there are tons of free-standing "screening" centers that will do tests independently with a patient's consent, and no order from the PCP. I imagine that they DO have a medical director who oversees the facilities' operation.

For instance as an example (at least out here in the midwest), there are health screenings conducted all the time for cholesterol panels, in which a doctor's order is not required.

Not pertaining specifically to lab tests, women can schedule their annual mammograms independent from an order from their physician.

[quote]
Posted By Sue on 11 Jul 2012 04:59 PM
I thought doctor orders were required by law (FDA) for licensed labs performing blood testing, not just by certain states in the eastern US. Again, maybe Tech can fill us in.
[/quote]



Sue you are correct.


Here at Zone labs you receive a complimentary test when you purchase 6 bottles of OmegaRX. (currently only US residents)

The test kit arrives and your doctor does have to sign off on the documentation that comes with the test. As it was explained to me the doctors involvement is like a prescription. I would hope most primary doctor's would do this for a patient at no cost. Maybe a great idea is to bring it during your annual physical.

This test is very specific and looks at your AA/EPA levels.

The information that Tech posted is specific to the test that is offered on this site.

However, the ones that are done in these freestanding labs that I mentioned previously do not require the PATIENT'S PERSONAL PHYSICIAN to sign off (I think I made this clear in my previous post--a medical director is likely available to sign off on the test).

Theoretically, it is hopeful that a PCP would be happy to order an EPA/AA test, but in reality, most docs have never heard of it, and do not see the value in it. And, many patients are just not prepared to give out the explanations, even if they bring in literature to support it, docs don't have time to read it.

I'm a Canadian ... there's no way for me to get that free test at all?

Sarah/Alexy

Here's a tip to everyone considering getting their AA/EPA tested. Buyer beware. Not all AA/EPA testing is performed the same way, and it makes a difference in the result. Something about testing live blood, or maybe it's whole blood (I can't remember exactly), vs other types of AA/EPA blood testing.

oh ccrap. I forgot for a minute here that I can't get the test.

is there no way for me to get the test?

i'll email the international sales peson ...

sarah/alexy

Alexy

Google " aa/epa test in canada " I know there are test companies that do it in several countries.

Someone on the Forums mentoined other labs and cost and this and that... The AA/EPA test is very specific... so whomever you talk too make sure they are clear on what test you wish to have performed.

Alexy, in the past I had it done by NutraSource Diagnostics, which is in Canada. It's included in the list of testing sites tat is published in the Zone books. This facility does the type of AA/EPA you are looking for.

Awesome.

Can, like, ZoneLab provide access to that particular testing as part of its free test offer? Tech support?

Sarah/Alexy

Sarah..

Sorry we can not.. Can you imagine the ton and a half of regulations and hoops to jump through transferring blood samples over boarders.

I understand!

darn it ...

Sarah/Alexy

Can anyone advise how to find out levels of silent inflammation if you are NOT in North America.
For example the UK or elsewhere in the EU?

If nobody on this forum knows, then I guess there is no hope for this.
A real shame, I'd like to quantify the improvements I achieve by the major changes I have made to my eating habits to this plan, not to mention investment in Omega III oil in the enormous quantities that I am taking.
I'd like to know where I stand!

My best advice is to do some internet surfing for an entity that does testing in your area. Perhaps tech support could research this and respond???

Yes, explore the possibilities. Never say never! :)

You were right, Something called the Silent Information Profile is available in the UK as a home test kit at the cost of £10
http://thenaturaldoctor.org/natural...ofile.html
I'll move there in August, so I'll do the test then...

Does this sound like the real deal?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Types of Scores

Basically, there are three kinds of SIP scores you might see after taking the test:

Low AA – This kind of score is virtually impossible, since our diets are so high in omega-6s.
High AA – This is a much more likely score.
Low EPA – This score indicates an omega-3 deficiency!

It is difficult to know if your omega ratio is good or bad without taking the SIP test which is a blood test which will measure the ratio of AA to EPA in your body. This ratio can indicate high levels of silent inflammation and serve as a guideline for exactly how much omega-3 you need to incorporate into your daily diet. If your AA/EPA ratio is out of balance in favour of silent inflammation it is equivalent to having more “rust in your system”. This equates to greater wear and tear and faster ageing. You can avoid this by increasing the amounts of omega-3s in your diet, and decreasing the amounts of omega-6s.
---------------------------------------------------------------


A company called http://yourfuturehealth.com/services_aaepa.htm offers a better test, but only in the USA.
However, according to their website, they work with people visiting the USA temporarily - I do not have any plans for going to the US, but just for the benefit of anyone else reading this.

Question:

Do you live outside the United States but want to test with YFH?
Answer:
YFH will work with you on your next trip to the United States. Call YFH at 352-253-2414 to learn how YFH provides the doctor's order, the protocols, and the follow up to do your test at your hotel or wherever you are staying while in the U.S.. The results will be sent to you by email. Attending our free group telephone conference calls will help you understand your test scores and what action you should take.

Your Future Health has been mentioned in Zone books. The London dr.'s test sounds like it could be the same thing, but at the same time is sounds too inexpensive. Plus, you would want the result to show the actual numbers (AA/EPA), not simply be expressed as being in one of those three categories. Try calling Zone Labs for more info.