HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

How FADS1 Genotype Affects Cholesterol, Fats, and Heart Health

Cholesterol is a fat like substance essential for building cells, producing hormones, and making vitamin D. High levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol raise heart disease risk, while "good" HDL cholesterol helps protect the heart. The FADS1 gene controls a key enzyme that converts dietary omega 3 and omega 6 fats into active forms the body uses for cell membranes, inflammation control, and brain function. Variations in FADS1 can change how efficiently your body performs these conversions and may influence LDL cholesterol levels and fatty acid balance.

Why this matters

  • Omega 3 and omega 6 fats come in different forms. Plant sources provide shorter chain precursors. The FADS1 enzyme helps convert those into longer chain forms called EPA, DHA and ARA that the body uses directly.
  • If conversion is less efficient, you may not get as much EPA and DHA from precursors. That can affect inflammation, blood lipids, and cardiovascular risk.
  • Your FADS1 genotype is one piece of your metabolic picture. Diet, activity, weight, medications, and other genes all play major roles.

Practical, evidence friendly strategies

Regardless of genotype, the following habits support healthy cholesterol and fatty acid balance. If your FADS1 variation reduces conversion efficiency, some of these become more important.

  • Eat fatty fish at least twice per week. Salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout supply preformed EPA and DHA.
  • Include plant sources of omega 3 such as flaxseeds, chia, hemp seeds, and walnuts. These are valuable but may not convert fully into EPA and DHA if FADS1 activity is lower.
  • Limit saturated and trans fats. Replace those with mono and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
  • Consider an omega 3 supplement if you do not eat fatty fish regularly. Look for products containing EPA and DHA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
  • Exercise regularly. Both aerobic and resistance training support healthy lipid profiles.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss often lowers LDL and improves fat metabolism.
  • Manage stress and avoid smoking. Both impact cardiovascular health and inflammation.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to monitor blood lipids and overall cardiovascular risk. Adjustments in diet, supplements, or medications should be guided clinically.

Dietary and supplement considerations by genotype

The accordion below summarizes the typical effects linked to each rs174547 genotype in FADS1 and practical steps you can take. These summaries are educational and do not replace personalized medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medical care.

Two effect alleles (TT) — reduced FADS1 efficiency

If you have the TT genotype for rs174547, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variation is associated with lower FADS1 enzyme activity. Reduced conversion efficiency means your body may not convert plant based omega 3 and omega 6 precursors into EPA, DHA, and other long chain forms as effectively. That can lead to a relative deficit of EPA and DHA and an altered balance of fatty acids, which may contribute to higher LDL cholesterol in some people.

Actionable tips

  • Prioritize direct sources of EPA and DHA. Aim for fatty fish 2 to 3 times per week or consider a marine based omega 3 supplement that specifies EPA and DHA amounts.
  • Keep plant omega 3s in your diet. Flaxseeds, chia and walnuts still provide benefits for fiber and overall nutrition.
  • Minimize saturated and trans fats to reduce LDL cholesterol risk.
  • Have fasting lipid panels checked periodically. If LDL or triglycerides are elevated, discuss targeted interventions with your provider.
  • If you take supplements, discuss dose and interactions with your healthcare provider, especially if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding risk.
One effect allele (CT) — intermediate FADS1 activity

If you have the CT genotype for rs174547, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one non effect allele. This is associated with intermediate FADS1 enzyme activity. Your body converts omega 3 and omega 6 precursors at a rate between high efficiency and reduced efficiency. You may experience a moderate impact on EPA and DHA levels and on cholesterol balance.

Actionable tips

  • Include fatty fish in your weekly meals and plant based omega 3 sources for variety and other nutrients.
  • Consider an omega 3 supplement if you have limited fish intake or if blood tests show low omega 3 index or elevated LDL or triglycerides. Discuss with your provider for personalized dosing.
  • Maintain a heart healthy diet overall: plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Monitor blood lipids and discuss results with your healthcare provider to determine if stronger dietary changes or medication are needed.
Zero effect alleles (CC) — typical FADS1 function

If you have the CC genotype for rs174547, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This genotype is associated with normal FADS1 enzyme function. Your body is generally efficient at converting dietary omega 3 and omega 6 precursors into EPA, DHA and other long chain fatty acids, which supports balanced cholesterol and metabolic health.

Actionable tips

  • Continue achieving a balanced intake of seafood, plant omega 3 sources, and healthy fats.
  • Focus on limiting saturated fat and processed trans fats to keep LDL low.
  • Regular health checks and lipid panels remain important because genetics is only one factor influencing heart health.
  • Adopt lifestyle habits that support cardiovascular health: physical activity, weight control, and tobacco avoidance.

Monitoring and follow up

  • Ask your healthcare provider about a fasting lipid panel and possibly an omega 3 index if you want to measure EPA and DHA status directly.
  • If you have elevated LDL cholesterol, discuss comprehensive risk assessment. Some people need dietary changes alone. Others benefit from prescription therapies in addition to lifestyle interventions.
  • Use your FADS1 genotype as a guide to fine tune dietary fat choices, not as a definitive prediction. It is one helpful factor among many.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and how they may relate to lifestyle choices. This information is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting new supplements, or changing medications. Your healthcare provider can integrate genetic results with clinical tests, family history, and personal medical needs to develop a safe, effective plan for your heart and overall health.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About Cholesterol and FADS1 rs174547

How does the FADS1 rs174547 genotype affect cholesterol and heart health?

The FADS1 gene helps convert dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fats into long-chain forms your body can use (including EPA, DHA, and ARA). Variations in FADS1 (rs174547) can change how efficiently you make these active fatty acids, which may influence fatty acid balance and, in some people, LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Your genotype is one factor alongside diet, activity, weight, medications, and other genes.

If my FADS1 results suggest reduced conversion, what omega-3 and omega-6 foods or supplements should I prioritize?

If your rs174547 genotype is linked to reduced FADS1 efficiency (e.g., TT), you may benefit from prioritizing preformed EPA and DHA sources such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout) 2–3 times per week. You can still include plant omega-3 sources (flaxseeds, chia, hemp seeds, walnuts) for overall nutrition, but conversion to EPA/DHA may be lower. If you don’t eat fatty fish regularly, consider an omega-3 supplement that specifies EPA and DHA, and discuss dosing—especially if you take blood thinners or have bleeding risk—with your healthcare provider.

What blood tests should I ask for to monitor my FADS1-related fat balance and cardiovascular risk?

A fasting lipid panel is commonly used to check LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and related lipid markers. If you want to measure omega-3 status more directly, ask your healthcare provider whether an omega-3 index (or similar testing) is appropriate. If your results show elevated LDL or triglycerides, your provider can guide whether lifestyle changes alone are enough or whether additional interventions (such as diet adjustments, supplements, or prescription therapies) are needed. Use your FADS1 genotype as a guide to fine-tune diet choices—not as a definitive prediction.

What tests can help me learn more about Cholesterol and FADS1 rs174547?

The Optimal Diet and Weight Loss Genetic Test delivers over 295 genetic insights related to nutrition response, body composition, metabolism, and fitness. The Diet and Nutrition Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.