BalanceTest ZINZINO

What we measure
The test measures 11 fatty acids, including saturated, monounsaturated (omega-9) and polyunsaturated (omega-6 and omega-3) fatty acids. The values for individual fatty acids are presented in a table and expressed as a percentage of the total fatty acids measured. For comparison, the table provides the average range for each fatty acid (based on data from a large group of people with balanced levels) as a target value. The following fatty acids are measured:

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 (AR), C20:4, omega-6
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), C20:5, omega-3
Docosapentanoic acid (DPA), C22:5, omega-3
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), C22:6, omega-3

This is how your results are calculated
11 fatty acids are analyzed and their total is considered to be 100%. We use 7 fatty acids for the 6 values below. The amount of each of the 7 fatty acids analyzed is calculated as a percentage of 100%.

1. Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
2. Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
3. Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
4. Omega-6 arachidonic acid (AR)
5. Omega-6 dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
6. Saturated fat, palmitic acid (PA)
7. Saturated fat, stearic acid (SR)

Protection value
First, the following 3 recognized health indicators are calculated:
1. The Omega-6 ratio value is calculated as follows: (DGLR + AR) * 100 / (DGLR + AR + EPA + DPR + DHR)
2. Omega-3 levels are the sum of EPA and DHA
3. The substance balance is calculated as follows: Omega-6 (AR) / Omega-3 (EPR)

Each indicator value is assigned the same weight in the second calculation and a value from 0 to 100, which is divided by 3, and the protection level value is obtained, which should exceed 90. This does not say anything about the health status of the person, it only indicates the level of protection of fatty acids. Note: The values of EPR and DHR have a significant impact on the calculations. If the percentage values of EPR and DHR are low, then very low or even zero protection level values can be obtained.

Omega-3 index
The Omega-3 Index shows the percentage of EPA and DHA, the two main marine Omega-3 fatty acids. The total level should not be less than 8%, but the recommended level is 10%. Omega-3 provides many benefits because it is the most important building block of cells. EPA is dominant in blood, muscles and tissues, while DHA is dominant in the brain, sperm and eyes.

Omega-6:3 balance
The balance is calculated by dividing the percentage of AR by the percentage of EPR (AR / EPR), which is expressed as a balance ratio, for example 3:1. The omega-6:3 balance should be less than 3:1. If the ratio is greater than 3:1, we recommend changing your dietary habits. A low ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is important for normal cell and tissue development (homeostasis) and helps the body control inflammatory processes.

Cell membrane conductivity
Conductivity is calculated by dividing the percentage of the two saturated fats by the percentage of omega-3. Therefore, the conductivity value is determined as follows: (PR + SR) / (EPR + DHA), and the result is expressed as a conductivity index ratio, for example 3:1. A conductivity ratio of less than 4:1 indicates that the cell membranes have sufficient conductivity. The more saturated fats in the membrane, the harder the membrane. Conversely, the more polyunsaturated fats in the membrane, the more elastic the membrane. The composition and structure of the cell membrane are critically important for the health of the cells and the entire organism. On the one hand, the membrane must be hard enough to ensure a strong cell structure. On the other hand, it must be permeable enough to allow nutrients to enter and unnecessary substances to be removed.

Mental resilience
This value is calculated by dividing the percentage of AR by the sum of the percentages of EPA and DHA, i.e. mental toughness level = AR / (EPA + DHA). The result is expressed as a mental toughness ratio, for example 1:1. The ratio should be less than 1:1 to ensure that the brain and nervous system are provided with a sufficient and balanced amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Cognitive functions improve with increased consumption of marine omega-3 EPA and DHA. Childhood and old age are two critical stages when a person is particularly vulnerable, and omega-3 deficiency is associated with poorer learning abilities, memory impairment and mood disorders.

Arachidonic acid (AR) index
The AA index indicates the percentage of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) in the total fatty acids found in the body. A good average is 6.5-9.5%, with an optimal target of 8.3%. Arachidonic acid (AA) is the most important omega-6 acid in our body. It is the site of production of omega-6-activated local tissue hormones such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, all of which have different functions. However, their common function is to protect the body from damage by limiting the progression of infection or the effects of injury on the body.

Certified test kit
The Zinzino dried blood spot test is certified as compliant with the European Regulation 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices. This means that the test and all its components comply with applicable laws and regulations, and therefore the kit bears the CE mark.

How to take the test

1. Zinzino Test is a validated in vitro diagnostic product intended for personal blood sample collection at home.
- First, wash your hands with soap, rinse well with warm water and dry.

2. Remove the sample card from the paper envelope. Do not throw away the envelope, as you can use it again. Tear off the SAVE section of the sample card and take a picture of the test ID code. You will only be able to see your test results if you provide your anonymous test ID. Place the card on the table with both circles facing up.

3. Activate blood circulation by rotating your hand in wide circles or shaking it downward for 20 seconds.

4. Remove the disposable lancet. After removing the transparent protective cap, the lancet is ready for use. Clean the tip of your finger (we recommend the thumb) with an alcohol wipe. Place the lancet on the underside of your fingertip over the collection paper on the table. Push the top of the lancet against your finger until you hear a click. The lancet will automatically make a small puncture.

5. Do not touch the filter paper with your fingers.

6. Apply blood to only one circle at a time. Gently squeeze your finger and wait for the blood drop to fill the circle. If one drop of blood is not enough to fill the entire circle, apply another drop of blood immediately. Leave the sample card in a horizontal position at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the samples to dry thoroughly.

7. Place the sample card back into the paper envelope. Then place the paper envelope into the metal bag and seal it.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the desiccant bag from the metal bag.

8. Place the sealed metal bag in the large envelope with the laboratory address.

NOTE! Before placing it in the mailbox, MAKE SURE to put the required number of stamps on the envelope. Register your test code on the website www.zinzinotest.com . You will be able to view your test results later on this website. Your results will be available within 10-20 days.

IMPORTANT: Do not throw away the part of the card that says “SAVE.” You will only be able to see your test results if you provide your anonymous test ID.