What Does a High Level of Arachidonic Acid Cause?

January 14, 2026 •

2 min read

According to scientific studies, an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3s is a common feature of the modern Western diet, which can lead to elevated arachidonic acid levels. A high level of arachidonic acid can cause significant health problems, primarily by fueling chronic inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain inflammatory disorders.

Quick Summary

A high level of arachidonic acid leads to increased production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which can contribute to chronic inflammation. This imbalance is linked to an elevated risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders, and certain autoimmune issues.

Key Points

Drives Chronic Inflammation: High arachidonic acid (AA) levels lead to excessive production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, contributing to a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Increases Cardiovascular Risk: AA metabolites promote platelet aggregation and blood vessel constriction, raising the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Worsens Inflammatory Diseases: Elevated AA is associated with and can exacerbate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Caused by Dietary Imbalance: The most significant factor is an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, common in Western eating patterns.
Manage with Dietary Changes: Rebalancing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio by reducing processed foods and increasing intake of fatty fish is a primary management strategy.
Impacts Metabolic Health: Excess AA is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The Role of Arachidonic Acid in the Body

Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) vital for cell membrane function, brain health, muscle growth, and immune responses. When cells are stressed, AA is released and converted into eicosanoids, which regulate physiological functions like blood clotting and initiating inflammation for healing. However, excessive AA can lead to too many pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, causing chronic inflammation.

Chronic Inflammation and Its Systemic Effects

High arachidonic acid is a major contributor to chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is linked to many diseases. AA-derived eicosanoids are potent pro-inflammatory mediators. High AA-driven inflammation is linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis, worsening symptoms and tissue damage. AA contributes to heart problems by promoting platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Conditions such as obesity, NAFLD, and diabetes are associated with metabolic stress and inflammation potentially worsened by high AA levels. Excess AA can negatively impact lipid metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance.

Dietary Imbalance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

High arachidonic acid levels often result from a diet with too many omega-6s compared to omega-3s, typical of Western diets. This imbalance favors the production of inflammatory AA-derived eicosanoids.

Common Dietary Sources of Arachidonic Acid (and its precursors):

Red meat and full-fat dairy
Certain poultry and eggs
Processed oils high in linoleic acid (AA's precursor), like corn and soybean oil

Omega-3s, from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, produce anti-inflammatory compounds that counter AA's effects. Balancing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio through diet is key to managing AA levels.

Comparison of Omega-6 (Arachidonic Acid) and Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) Effects

A comparison of the effects of Omega-6 (Arachidonic Acid) and Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) pathways can be found on {Link: Mito Health mitohealth.com/biomarkers/arachidonic-acid-epa-ratio}.

How to Manage High Arachidonic Acid Levels

Managing high AA levels primarily involves adjusting your diet to balance omega-6 and omega-3 intake.

Increase Omega-3 Intake: Eat more fatty fish or take an omega-3 supplement.
Reduce Omega-6 Intake: Limit processed oils and foods containing them.
Choose Leaner Proteins: Select leaner meats and reduce high-fat red meat.
Eat More Plant-Based Foods: A plant-rich diet naturally lowers AA intake and provides anti-inflammatory compounds.
Ensure Adequate Cofactors: Vitamins like C and B6, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, are needed for fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

While essential for health in balanced amounts, high levels of arachidonic acid, often due to dietary imbalance, can cause significant problems. By fueling chronic inflammation, elevated AA contributes to conditions like heart disease, IBD, arthritis, and metabolic disorders. Balancing omega-6 and omega-3 intake through diet is crucial for managing AA levels and promoting overall health. Reducing certain animal fats and processed oils while increasing fatty fish consumption are effective strategies to achieve a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and mitigate the risks of high AA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arachidonic acid is a precursor to pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4. A high level of arachidonic acid leads to an overproduction of these molecules, driving excessive and chronic inflammation.

High levels of arachidonic acid are primarily found in animal products like red meat, fatty poultry, and eggs. It is also produced in the body from the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, which is abundant in processed vegetable oils like corn and soybean oil.

To lower arachidonic acid levels, you should aim to reduce your intake of omega-6 fatty acids and increase your intake of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This involves limiting processed vegetable oils, high-fat meat and dairy, and consuming more fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Yes, high levels of arachidonic acid have been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Its metabolites, like thromboxane A2, promote platelet aggregation and blood vessel constriction, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

While modern Western diets often have a ratio as high as 15:1 or more, experts suggest a healthier ratio is closer to 4:1 or even lower, as was the case in ancestral diets. Balancing this ratio is key to controlling AA-driven inflammation.

Yes, in controlled amounts, arachidonic acid is essential for health. It plays a crucial role in normal immune response, neurological development, and muscle growth, particularly after intense exercise, by promoting localized, short-term inflammation for repair.

While some bodybuilders use AA supplements for muscle growth, high daily doses (over 1500mg) have not been shown to have clear benefits and are not recommended for individuals with pre-existing inflammatory conditions due to the risk of increased inflammation and potential gastrointestinal issues.