NutriStat Basic Profile

OMEGA 3 INDEX

Sample type: Blood

Optimal result: 2.9 – 12.9 %

US BioTek

By Healthmatters Editorial Team

Peer-reviewed sources

The laboratory does not provide a specific reference range for this marker.

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An elevated omega-3 index signifies a higher proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA. This index is a useful marker for assessing the long-term intake and status of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Here’s what an elevated omega-3 index typically indicates:

Improved Cardiovascular Health: A higher omega-3 index is strongly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their heart-protective effects, which include reducing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, decreasing the risk of blood clots, and reducing inflammation. Therefore, an elevated omega-3 index suggests a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. An elevated omega-3 index indicates a higher level of these anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, which can help in managing and preventing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune disorders.
Better Brain Health: DHA, one of the key omega-3 fatty acids measured in the omega-3 index, is a critical component of brain tissue. An elevated omega-3 index is associated with improved cognitive function, a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and better overall brain health. It can also have positive effects on mood and mental health, potentially reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
Overall Well-Being: Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids contribute to various aspects of overall health, including improved joint health, better skin condition, and enhanced immune function.
Dietary Adequacy: An elevated omega-3 index reflects a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, typically achieved by consuming fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and omega-3 supplements. This suggests that the individual is meeting or exceeding the recommended intake of these essential fats.

In summary, an elevated omega-3 index signifies a high level of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, which is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular and brain health, reduced inflammation, and overall well-being. It reflects a diet that is rich in omega-3 sources, indicating good nutritional status with respect to these essential fatty acids.

The laboratory does not provide a specific reference range for this marker.

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The omega-3 index is defined as the RBC percentage sum of EPA+DHA, both of which are important antiinflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This index was first proposed in 2004 as a cardiovascular risk factor by Dr. Willian S. Harris and Dr. Clemons von Schacky as a way of assessing risk for coronary artery disease and related death. Since then, it has been repeatedly verified as an important cardiovascular biomarker, and studied in other diseases including obesity, mood disorder, and insulin resistance.

A reasonable target for the omega-3 index is >8% to decrease disease risk. Drs. Harris and von Schacky stratified risk zones as high risk (8%). These percentages have been continually verified in outcome studies and risk assessment.

Dietary intervention to increase the omega-3 index should include oily fish, flax, walnut, and chia. Fish oil supplementation can also be considered.

The laboratory does not provide a specific reference range for this marker.

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Dietary intervention to increase the omega-3 index should include oily fish, flax, walnut, and chia. Fish oil supplementation can also be considered.

The laboratory does not provide a specific reference range for this marker.

-----------------------

Dietary intervention to increase the omega-3 index should include oily fish, flax, walnut, and chia. Fish oil supplementation can also be considered.

References:

- Harris WS, Von Schacky C. The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Preventive medicine. 2004;39(1):212-220.

- Harris WS. The omega-3 index: from biomarker to risk marker to risk factor. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2009;11(6):411.

- Harris WS. The omega-3 index: clinical utility for therapeutic intervention. Current cardiology reports. 2010;12(6):503-508.

- Burrows T, Collins C, Garg M. Omega-3 index, obesity and insulin resistance in children. International Journal of pediatric obesity. 2011;6(sup3):e532-539.

- Baghai TC, Varallo-Bedarida G, Born C, et al. Major depressive disorder is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and low Omega-3 Index. The Journal of clinical psychiatry. 2010;72(9):1242-1247.

- Parletta N, Zarnowiecki D, Cho J, et al. People with schizophrenia and depression have a low omega-3 index. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2016;110:42-47.

- Albert BB, Derraik JG, Brennan CM, et al. Higher omega-3 index is associated with increased insulin sensitivity and more favourable metabolic profile in middle-aged overweight men. Scientific reports. 2014;4:6697.

- von Schacky C. Omega-3 index in 2018/19. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2020:1-7.

- Aarsetoey H, Aarsetoey R, Lindner T, Staines H, Harris WS, Nilsen DWT. Low Levels of the Omega-3 Index are Associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Remain Stable in Survivors in the Subacute Phase. Lipids. 2011;46(2):151- 161.

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