Diet is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For example, diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are generally thought to be beneficial for heart health. Omega-3 PUFAs, also called n-3 PUFAs, are involved in multiple biological pathways. These pathways include coagulation, muscle function, cellular transport, and cell division and growth, all of which affect heart health.
The 3 major omega-3 PUFAs are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Another omega-3 PUFA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), is an intermediate metabolite formed during the interconversion of EPA and DHA. Fish oil and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna are the primary dietary sources of EPA and DHA. ALA is found in plant-based foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, and vegetable oils; after ingestion, ALA is metabolized to EPA and then, though very inefficiently, to DHA.
Because of inter-individual differences in genetics and metabolism, dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs may not provide reliable estimates of their concentration in the body. These differences may generate higher levels of omega-3 PUFAs in some people, regardless of the source of fatty acids. Thus, blood testing provides a more direct and accurate assessment of the levels of these fatty acids in the body.
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References:
- Brenna JT, Salem N Jr, Sinclair AJ, et al. α-Linolenic acid supplementation and conversion to n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009;80:85-91.
- Kris-Etherton PM, Taylor DS, Yu-Poth S, et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the food chain in the United States. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:179S-188S.
- von Schacky C. Omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease—an uphill battle. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2015;92:41-47.
- Superko HR, Superko SM, Nasir K, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid blood levels: clinical significance and controversy. Circulation. 2013;128:2154-2161.
- Albert CM, Campos H, Stampfer MJ, et al. Blood levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and the risk of sudden death. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:1113-1118.
- Harris WS, von Schacky C. The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Prev Med. 2004;39:212-220.
- Harris WS. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio and cardiovascular disease risk: uses and abuses. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2006;8:453-459.
- Itakura H, Yokoyama M, Matsuzaki M, et al. Relationships between plasma fatty acid composition and coronary artery disease. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2011;18:99-107.
- Siscovick DS, Raghunathan TE, King I, et al. Dietary intake and cell membrane levels of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of primary cardiac arrest. JAMA. 1995;274:1363-1367.
Keeping track of your medical data and laboratory results while understanding what they mean empowers positive health outcomes.
Keeping track of your medical data and lab results while understanding what they mean empowers positive health outcomes.
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OmegaCheck = [(EPA + DPA + DHA) ÷ total PLFA] x 100
The cardiovascular disease risks associated with OmegaCheck values are shown in the Table. Thresholds were established by stratifying LC/MS/MS reference range data into quartiles. Previous population-based studies have shown a dose-dependent decrease in risk with increasing levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Relative to individuals in the highest quartile, individuals in the lowest quartile are at highest risk and those in the second and third quartiles (combined in the Table) are at moderate risk.5,9
Table: Interpretation of OmegaCheck Values
|
OmegaCheck Value (% by weight) |
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Level |
|
≥5.5 |
Low |
|
3.8-5.4 |
Moderate |
|
≤3.7 |
High |
Consumption of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, and prescription omega-3 fatty acids can increase the OmegaCheck value.
A high omega-6/omega-3 ratio is associated with a higher risk of major coronary events but should be interpreted with caution because it does not differentiate fatty acids that have different physiologic properties (eg, effect on platelet function and lowering triglycerides).
A higher AA/EPA ratio is associated with higher risk for major coronary events (sudden cardiac death, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris with myocardial ischemia, or the need for revascularization procedures).
A daily dosage of 1 gram of EPA and DHA lowers the circulating triglycerides by about 7-10% within 2 to 3 weeks.
Reference:
- Blood Levels of Long-Chain n–3 Fatty Acids and the Risk of Sudden Death -- 1-Albert et al. NEJM. 2002; 346: 1113-1118) [L]
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While we do talk about popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too. It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters. We can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.
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