How your numbers are calculated
The lab measures 11 fatty acids and treats their total as 100%. Each fatty acid is shown as a percentage of that total.
The 11 fatty acids
| Name | Code | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (DGLA) | 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 |
The six values
Protection Value
Target: above 90
Three indicators are calculated: the Omega-6 ratio, (DGLA + AA) x 100 / (DGLA + AA + EPA + DPA + DHA); the Omega-3 level, EPA + DHA; and the Balance value, AA / EPA. Each is scored from 0 to 100 with equal weight, and the total is divided by 3.
This does not tell anything about the health status of the person, only the fatty acid protection level.
Omega-6:3 Balance
Target: below 3:1
AA / EPA, shown as a ratio such as 3:1.
Omega-3 Index
Target: at least 8%
EPA + DHA.
Cell Membrane Fluidity
Target: below 4:1
(PA + SA) / (EPA + DHA), shown as a ratio.
Mental Strength
Target: below 1:1
AA / (EPA + DHA), shown as a ratio.
AA Index
Target: 6.5% to 9.5%, optimum 8.3%
AA as a percentage of total fatty acids.
Low EPA and DHA have a big effect on all the calculations, so very low Protection Values are common at the first test.
The Zinzino Dried Blood Spot Test carries the CE mark and complies with European Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Who analyses your test
Your test is analysed by Vitas, an independent, GMP-certified contract laboratory in Norway with 25 years of experience in chromatographic analysis. GMP certification means they follow good manufacturing practices. Vitas has declared its independence and confirms that samples are destroyed after analysis.
Your test comes with a BalanceTest ID that only you can see. Neither the lab nor Zinzino knows who submitted the test. You view your results at zinzinotest.com by entering your ID. Sharing them is completely your choice.
Documents and certificates
Important: complete the short questionnaire at zinzinotest.com when you register your test. If you skip it, you'll only see your balance score, not all six numbers, and you'll need those to beat 90.