BalanceTest - Zinzino

Zinzino’s BalanceTest offers a simple and reliable way to analyze the fatty acid balance in your blood.
With just a few drops of blood from your fingertip, collected using the scientifically proven dried blood spot (DBS) technique, you’ll get accurate insights comparable to those from a venous blood sample.

Thanks to the use of Whatman® filter paper, the test is quick and easy to perform—you’ll be done in under a minute!

Additional facts

User-friendly self-test with dried blood spot
Measures 11 fatty acids in your blood
Provides data on your Omega-6:3 balance

This test analyzes 11 different fatty acids, including saturated, monounsaturated (Omega-9), and polyunsaturated (Omega-6 and Omega-3) fatty acids. The individual fatty acid values are clearly displayed in a table and expressed as percentages of the total number of fatty acids measured. For comparison, the average range for each fatty acid is presented, based on data from a large group of healthy individuals, so you can compare your results to a target value. The following fatty acids are analyzed:
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 (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

Here’s how your results are calculated: This analysis examines 11 fatty acids, the total amount of which is considered 100%. Seven of these fatty acids are used to calculate 6 specific values. The amount of each of these 7 fatty acids is determined as a percentage of that total 100%, giving you an accurate understanding of your fatty acid balance.
1. Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
2. Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
3. Omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
4. Omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA)
5. Omega-6 dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
6. Saturated fat, palmitic acid (PA)
7. Saturated fat, stearic acid (SA)

Protection value
First, the following 3 recognized health indicators are calculated:
1. The value for the Omega-6 ratio is calculated as follows: (DGLA+AA) * 100 / (DGLA+AA+EPA+DPA+DHA)
2. The value for the Omega-3 level is the sum of EPA+DHA
3. The balance value is calculated as Omega-6 (AA) / Omega-3 (EPA)

In a second calculation, each indicator value is given equal weight and assigned a score between 0 and 100. This is then divided by 3 to determine the protection value, with an ideal score above 90. This does not provide a direct indication of overall health, but solely shows the protective level of fatty acids. Please note that the EPA and DHA values have a significant influence on all calculations. When these percentages are low, extremely low or even zero protection values may occur.

**Omega-3 Index**
The Omega-3 Index provides an overview of the percentages of the two marine omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. An optimal combined level is at least 8%, with a value of 10% being even more desirable. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role as essential building blocks of our cells. EPA is primarily found in the blood, muscles, and body tissues, while DHA is mainly present in the brain, sperm, and eyes.
Cell Membrane Fluidity Cell membrane fluidity is calculated by dividing the percentage of two saturated fatty acids by the percentage of two omega-3 fatty acids. This yields a fluidity index, for example 3:1. A value lower than 4:1 indicates sufficient flexibility in the membranes.

The structure of the cell membrane is influenced by the fatty acid composition: saturated fats make the membrane stiffer, while polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega-3s, provide greater fluidity. A healthy balance between rigidity and flexibility is essential, as the membrane must be rigid enough to support the cell structure, yet fluid enough to optimize the uptake of nutrients and the removal of waste products.

**Mental Strength**
The mental strength value is calculated by dividing the percentage of arachidonic acid (AA) by the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), expressed as AA / (EPA + DHA). This yields a score, for example 1:1.

A value below 1:1 indicates a balanced and sufficient supply of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to the brain and nervous system. Increasing the intake of marine Omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA, can promote cognitive performance. Especially during vulnerable life stages such as childhood and old age, a deficiency in Omega-3 is linked to learning and memory problems, as well as mood disorders.

**Arachidonic Acid (AA) Index**
The AA index represents the percentage of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) within the total amount of measured fatty acids. A healthy average ranges between 6.5% and 9.5%, with an optimal value of 8.3%.

Arachidonic acid (AA) plays a crucial role as the primary omega-6 fatty acid in the body. It forms the basis for the production of local tissue hormones such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which perform various functions. The primary function of these substances is to protect the body from damage by controlling infections and limiting the impact of injuries.

**Certified Test Kit**
The Zinzino Dried Blood Spot Test complies with European Regulation 98/79/EC for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices. This certification guarantees that the test and all associated components comply with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the test kit bears the CE mark, confirming compliance with high quality and safety standards.

Instructions for Use:
Performing the Test 1. The Zinzino test is an approved in vitro diagnostic product for self-collection of a blood sample at home.
- First, wash your hands with soap, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and dry them.

2. Remove the sample card from the paper envelope. Keep the envelope for later use. Tear off the SAVE section of the sample card and take a photo of the Test ID. You can only view your test results using your anonymous Test ID. Place the card on the table with the two circles facing up.

3. Stimulate blood flow by making large circles with your arm or shaking your hand downward for 20 seconds.

4. Remove the single-use lancet from the packaging. Remove the transparent safety cap, and the lancet is ready for use. Use an alcohol wipe to clean your fingertip (the middle finger is recommended). Place the lancet against the lower part of your fingertip, aiming it toward the collection paper on the table. Press the top of the lancet against your finger until you hear a click. The lancet will automatically make a small prick in your finger.

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

6. Fill the circles one by one with blood. Gently squeeze your finger and wait until a drop of blood falls into the circle. If a single drop of blood does not cover the circle, immediately let another drop of blood fall from your finger. Leave the sample card in a horizontal position at room temperature for at least 10 minutes so that the samples can dry properly.

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

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the silica gel packet from the metal pouch.

8. Place the sealed metal bag into the large envelope with the laboratory address on it.

PLEASE NOTE! You must affix sufficient postage (with stamps) to the envelope before mailing it. To register your test code, go to www.zinzinotest.com. This is the webpage where you can view your test results later. It takes 10–20 days for your results to be available.

IMPORTANT: Keep the "KEEP" section of the card. You can only view your test results using your anonymous test ID.