Omega-3 Index

Omega-3 Index

What's

Omega-3 Index

The Omega-3 Index is a way to measure the amount of two specific omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in your red blood cells. These fatty acids are essential nutrients that your body can't make on its own, so you need to get them from your diet or supplements. They are mainly found in fatty fish and some types of algae. The Omega-3 Index shows your long-term intake of these nutrients and how well they are incorporated into your cells. EPA and DHA are important for keeping your heart, brain, eyes, and joints healthy. They also help make your cell membranes more fluid, which is essential for your cells to work properly.

If Your Levels Are High

A high Omega-3 Index might mean that you're getting a lot of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet or through supplements. This can come from eating fatty fish, algae, or other foods rich in omega-3s, or by taking supplements like fish oil. Some medications, like those for lowering triglycerides, could also increase your Omega-3 Index. While omega-3s are important for your body, having too much can affect the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is crucial for overall health.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Omega-3 Index are generally not noticeable as they don't typically cause any physical discomfort or visible changes.

If Your Levels are Low

A low Omega-3 Index might mean that you're not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, from your diet. These essential nutrients, found mainly in fatty fish and some algae, are important for the health of your heart, brain, eyes, and joints, as well as for keeping your cell membranes fluid, which helps your cells work properly. Not having enough omega-3s in your diet could be due to factors like not eating enough fish, taking certain medications that affect nutrient absorption, or having an underlying condition that makes it harder for your body to absorb these nutrients.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Omega-3 Index may include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

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

Metabolomix+ Add-On: Bloodspot Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids by Genova Diagnostics

Blood Spot

This test measures fatty acids to determine cardiovascular risk. It can only be added to the Metabolomix+. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

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.

Omega-3 Index Complete by Ayumetrix

Blood Spot

The Omega-3 Index Complete test provides an analysis of a patient's dietary intake of omega-3s and other fatty acids.

ION Profile by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The new and improved ION Profile measures over 125 key nutrient biomarkers and ratios to help identify nutritional deficiencies that may be a root cause of complex chronic conditions. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.

Omega-3 Index Complete by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)

Blood Spot

This test measures the Omega-3 Index, the Trans Fat Index, the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio, and the AA/EPA ratio. Many studies have shown that people with higher (vs. lower) omega-3 index levels are at a decreased risk for disease.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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