Biomarkers > Cardiovascular > Omega3 Index

Omega3 Index (% (EPA+DHA))

Cardiovascular

About Omega3 Index

The Omega-3 Index is a measure of the amount of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in red blood cell membranes, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. It is a biomarker for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall health, as these omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of cell membranes and play a role in anti-inflammatory processes and brain function.

Reference Values

Optimal Range
8.0 - 14.0 % (EPA+DHA)
Elite Value
12.0 % (EPA+DHA)

Health Implications

High
Elevated levels may indicate an excessive intake of Omega-3 supplements, possibly leading to blood thinning or bleeding disorders.
Low
Low levels may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders due to insufficient anti-inflammatory properties.

Symptoms

High
May include fatigue, headaches, and erratic blood pressure.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, and dry, brittle skin.

Lifestyle Factors

Increased consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel Taking high-quality omega-3 supplements Incorporating nuts and seeds such as chia and flaxseeds into meals Limiting intake of processed foods and trans fats Engaging in regular physical activity Balancing omega-6 to omega-3 ratio by reducing vegetable oils

Specimen Type

Whole Blood Red Blood Cells

Testing Methods

Dried blood spot test Whole blood test Plasma test Red blood cell test
Also Known As
Omega-3 IndexOmega-3 Fatty Acids TestOmega-3 Blood Test

Scientific Sources

  1. Harris WS, Del Gobbo L, Tintle NL. 2017. The Omega-3 Index and relative risk for coronary heart disease mortality: Estimation from 10 cohort studies. Atherosclerosis. 262:51-54. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.05.007.
  2. Harris WS, Von Schacky C. 2004. The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Prev Med. 39(1):212-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.02.030.
  3. Harris WS. 2008. The omega-3 index as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 87(6):1997S-2002S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.6.1997S.
  4. Harris WS, Polreis J. 2016. Measurement of the Omega-3 Index in Dried Blood Spots. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 46(3):302-307.
  5. von Schacky C. 2014. Omega-3 index and cardiovascular health. Nutrients. 6(2):799-814. doi: 10.3390/nu6020799.

Related Biomarkers

Fasting Glucose, Insulin, Triglycerides, hsCRP, Total Cholesterol

Testing Information

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