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What is the Omega-3 Index?

When you take an Omega-3 Index test it gives you a percentage on a scale of 0-12%. An Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher is ideal, the lowest risk zone; 4-8% is considered the “intermediate” zone; and below 4% is considered the highest risk zone. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8% will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — from your diet to protect your health.

What the Omega-3 Index “Complete” Test Measures:

When you take an Omega-3 Index “Complete” test you will get not only your Omega-3 Index results — the combined percentage of EPA and DHA in your red blood membrane, but you will also get your Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio, AA:EPA ratio, your Trans Fat Index and individual fatty acids levels for 24 fatty acids.

What is the Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio?

The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (also written “n-6/n-3”) analyzes 7 omega-6 fatty acids and 4 omega-3 fatty acids. The total amount of omega-6s and omega-3s are divided by each other to get a ratio. We recommend a ratio of 3-5:1 (omega-6:omega-3).

What is Your AA:EPA Ratio?

The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, vs. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because powerful signaling molecules can be made from them. These molecules can affect anything from blood clotting to birth contractions to inflammatory responses. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health.

Individual Fatty Acid Levels

We measure 24 individual fatty acid levels in your blood to calculate the Omega-3 Index, Ratios and Trans Fat Index. But there is so much more to learn from knowing individual levels of fatty acids, like EPA and DHA levels, the specific omega-6 fatty acids that make up half the Ratios, and more. While there is not yet agreement in the scientific community on what many fatty acid levels “mean” for health, these values provide interesting insights into your diet and health.

All of Your Cells Are Made up of Good Fats

You can find out what fats make up your cells with the Omega-3 Index Complete test. Diet is not the only thing that determines your blood fatty acid levels – metabolism, genetics, gender, weight, age and other lifestyle factors all can play a role.

Health Benefits Associated with an Optimal Omega-3 Index:

Dr. Bill Harris, the founder of OmegaQuant and the inventor of the Omega-3 Index, discovered the connection between the level of omega-3s EPA and DHA in the blood and heart health almost two decades ago. His studies have shown that having a high level of omega-3 in the blood is highly protective of the heart and specifically supports:

Healthy blood flow

Healthy triglyceride levels

Normal heart rhythm

Healthy blood pressure levels

Why Omega-3 Index Testing Matters

Higher omega-3 levels are linked to lower risk for heart disease – view study
A low Omega-3 Index is associated with smaller brain volume and cognitive impairment – view study
A higher Omega-3 Index is associated with healthy blood pressure – view study
The Omega-3 Index is a strong predictor of premature death – view study
Having a low Omega-3 Index could be just as dangerous to your health as smoking – view study

DHA & The Brain

By far the most prominent fat in the brain is the omega-3 DHA. Research has shown that this important omega-3 fat can hang around for more than two-and-half years before it is replaced by new DHA in the brain.

Studies of the Omega-3 Index and brain health, show that an optimal level of 8% or higher is related to:

Cognitive function
Memory
Focus
Mood

Omega-3 & Longevity

People with an optimal level of omega-3s in their blood also tend to live longer, healthier lives.

In one study, researchers found the risk fordeath from any cause was reduced by 33% when comparing those with the highest Omega-3 Index to those with the lowest. Another study that looked at omega-3 levels in more than 6000 post-menopausal women confirmed that those with a higher Omega-3 Index had a longer lifespan.

Health Risks Associated with a Low Omega-3 Index

OmegaQuant’s Dr. Harris believes it’s no coincidence that there is a widespread epidemic of heart disease and brain health isssues around the world as well as a relative deficiency in omega-3 intake. In fact, a study published in 2016 showed that most people globally don’t consume enough omega-3s to reap their protective benefits. It showed that most countries have an Omega-3 Index of 6% or below —8% is optimal.