What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Fatty Acid Metabolism: 9/10 evidence, 14 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower Omega Fatty Acid Conversion
Reduced desaturase activity limits the conversion of plant-based omega precursors into active long-chain fatty acids. This is linked to higher triglycerides and lower LDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Reduced conversion of plant omegas; Slightly lower LDL cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/C
Typical Omega Fatty Acid Conversion
Moderate desaturase activity provides a balanced rate of converting plant-based omega precursors into active fatty acids. Lipid levels and bone mineral density generally fall within the typical range.
What this genotype means: Typical omega conversion efficiency; Average lipid profile; Typical bone mineral density.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Efficient Omega Fatty Acid Conversion
High desaturase activity enables efficient conversion of plant-based omega-3 and omega-6 precursors into active long-chain fatty acids. This is accompanied by lower triglyceride levels but slightly higher LDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Efficient conversion of plant omegas; Slightly higher LDL cholesterol; Slightly lower triglycerides.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) encodes a key rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of highly unsaturated fatty acids [1]. This enzyme, delta-6 desaturase, converts dietary plant-derived short-chain fatty acids into active long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid [1]. Proper functioning of this pathway is essential for maintaining cell membrane structure, regulating inflammatory responses, and supporting brain development [1]. Variations in this gene cluster are strongly linked to circulating lipid levels and cardiovascular health [2].
Variant Impact: Located within an intron of the FADS2 gene, rs174574 is a common single-nucleotide variant that acts as a major regulator of fatty acid desaturase expression [1]. The genetic change alters the transcription levels of both FADS1 and FADS2, directly impacting the body's rate of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid conversion [1]. This regulatory effect cascades down to influence blood lipid profiles, including cholesterol fractions and triglycerides [3]. It also shows pleiotropic associations with other physiological traits, such as bone mineral density [4].
Key Insight: Your ability to convert plant-based omega fatty acids into active forms depends heavily on this genetic marker.
Location: FADS2. Chromosome 11 · 11q12.2 · 61.8 Mb
Origin Story: Positive selection has historically favored the high-efficiency desaturase alleles in agricultural populations transitioning to plant-heavy diets, while marine-rich hunter-gatherer diets maintained lower-efficiency variants.
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 21.5%; European 11.9%; African 36.9%; East Asian 30.8%; South Asian 3.4%; Americas 31.4%; Ashkenazi 9.2%; Finnish 17.7%; Middle Eastern 16.9%; Amish 6.7%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 46.1%; European 45.2%; African 47.7%; East Asian 49.4%; South Asian 29.9%; Americas 49.3%; Ashkenazi 42.3%; Finnish 48.8%; Middle Eastern 48.4%; Amish 38.4%.
Estimated AC genotype frequency.
Global 32.4%; European 42.9%; African 15.4%; East Asian 19.8%; South Asian 66.7%; Americas 19.3%; Ashkenazi 48.5%; Finnish 33.5%; Middle Eastern 34.6%; Amish 54.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Omega-3 Conversion. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35668104. Lower Efficiency.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 27286809. Slightly Lower.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Slightly Higher.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Slightly Lower.
Organ Systems
Bone, Joint & Connective Tissue Health
Bone Mineral Density. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30048462. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for A/C genotype
Omega-3 Conversion. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35668104. Typical Efficiency.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 27286809. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Typical.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Typical.
Bone Mineral Density. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30048462. Typical.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Omega-3 Conversion. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35668104. High Efficiency.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 27286809. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Slightly Lower.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Slightly Higher.
Bone Mineral Density. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30048462. Slightly Lower.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Reduced desaturase activity limits the endogenous synthesis of active long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from plant precursors [1]. The delta-6 desaturase enzyme operates at lower efficiency, resulting in lower levels of arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid [1]. This metabolic profile is strongly associated with higher circulating triglyceride levels [2]. On the positive side, it is also linked to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is generally cardioprotective [2]. Additionally, bone mineral density tends to be slightly higher with this genotype [3]. Direct dietary intake of preformed long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA from fish or algal oil, can help compensate for the lower conversion rate. Focusing on a nutrient-dense diet supports both bone and cardiovascular wellness.
Reduced conversion of plant omegas; Slightly lower LDL cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Sample genotype: AC (Heterozygous)
Balanced metabolic conversion of dietary plant-derived fatty acids characterizes this heterozygous profile [1]. The delta-6 desaturase enzyme operates at moderate efficiency, producing typical levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [1]. Circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides generally remain close to population averages [2]. This intermediate activity provides a stable baseline for lipid homeostasis and cardiovascular risk factors [2]. Bone mineral density also tends to align with typical baseline measurements [3]. Maintaining a balanced intake of both plant-derived and preformed marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for supporting optimal cellular function. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet further promote healthy lipid profiles.
Typical omega conversion efficiency; Average lipid profile; Typical bone mineral density.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Efficient conversion of dietary plant-based short-chain fatty acids into active long-chain forms is a hallmark of this genotype [1]. The delta-6 desaturase enzyme operates at high capacity, facilitating the synthesis of arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid from precursors like alpha-linolenic acid [1]. This high metabolic throughput is associated with lower circulating triglycerides [2]. However, it also correlates with slightly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol [2]. Individuals with this profile typically maintain higher levels of active polyunsaturated fatty acids even on vegetarian or vegan diets [1]. Conversely, bone mineral density tends to be slightly lower compared to other genotypes [3]. Balancing dietary fats by incorporating diverse lipid sources supports overall cardiovascular and bone health.
Efficient conversion of plant omegas; Slightly higher LDL cholesterol; Slightly lower triglycerides.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs174570 · FADS2 Gene · Chr 11 · Fatty Acid Metabolism
rs99780 · FADS2 Gene · Chr 11 · Omega-3 Metabolism
rs1535 · FADS2 Gene · Chr 11 · Fatty Acid Metabolism
Genome-wide characterization of circulating metabolic biomarkers.
Content updated August 2026.
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