SFA Index

Saturated Fatty Acids Index

What's

SFA Index

The Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) Index is a way to measure the amount of saturated fats in your body. Saturated fats are a kind of fat found in different foods like meat, dairy products, and some oils. Unlike unsaturated fats, which are more liquid-like, saturated fats are solid at room temperature. They are an important part of your diet and help with various body functions such as giving energy, helping cells grow, and assisting in absorbing certain vitamins. The SFA Index, therefore, offers a glimpse into your eating habits and how your body is processing these specific types of fats.

If Your Levels Are High

A high SFA Index might mean that you're eating a lot of saturated fats, which are found in foods like red meat, dairy products, and some oils. It could also mean that your body is processing these fats differently, maybe because of your genes or lifestyle habits. Certain medications, like cholesterol-lowering drugs, could also affect your SFA Index. Some possible health conditions that might be linked to high SFA levels include metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of SFA Index may not be immediately noticeable. However, over time, they could potentially include weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

If Your Levels are Low

A low Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) Index might mean that your diet has less saturated fats, possibly because you're eating more fruits, veggies, and lean proteins, or you're intentionally cutting back on foods high in saturated fats like red meat, dairy, and some oils. It could also mean that your body isn't absorbing or breaking down these fats properly, which might be due to conditions like malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, or genetic disorders affecting fat metabolism. Some medications, like those for high cholesterol, could also contribute to a lower SFA Index.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of SFA Index may not be immediately noticeable. However, over time, a deficiency in saturated fats could potentially lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, and vitamin deficiencies, particularly in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.

See References

Test for

Saturated Fatty Acids Index

Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™ by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Plasma

The Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™ test measures the major fatty acids for cardiovascular disease characterization and management. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Men's Health by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™, and several individual cardiometabolic and hormonal biomarkers to assess men's overall health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Women's Health by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Boston Heart Fatty Acid Balance™, and several individual cardiometabolic and hormonal biomarkers to assess women's overall health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CVD & Diabetes Prevention Comprehensive by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines several tests to evaluate a patient's risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CardioMetabolic - Expanded by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Serum

Plasma

This panel combines several tests, including Boston Heart's unique Cholesterol Balance® and Fatty Acid Balance™, to evaluate cardiometabolic health. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.