The Omega-3 Index Plus Test is a blood test that measures the percentage of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in red blood cell membranes.
- This convenient test uses a single drop of blood to measure the Omega-3 Index.
- A finger prick provides enough blood to measure the Omega-3 Index.
- Testing is confidential, between the patient and their practitioner.
- A personalized report will be sent via email and will include individualized recommendations based on test results.
There are three phases of Omega-3 testing:
Measure: Eating fish or taking supplements does not guarantee your Omega-3 Index will be in the desirable range – it must be measured.
Modify: With your Omega-3 Index results you will have the tools to personalize your Omega-3 intake.
Monitor: Track how your dietary changes affect your Omega-3 Index by testing every 4-6 months.
An Omega-3 Index in the desirable range of 8-12% is an indicator of better overall health. As a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, an Omega-3 Index in the 8-12% range may help to maintain heart, brain, eye and joint health. Once you know your Omega-3 Index, you can personalize your diet to modify your Omega-3 Index in as little as 3-4 months.
By partnering with OmegaQuant — the premier lab for Omega-3 Index testing — Standard Process is better able to help people support conditions related to cardiovascular health, brain health, and a healthy inflammatory process with its family of Omega-3 supplements.*
What are the Benefits of Knowing Your Omega-3 Index?
People with high Omega-3 levels support their heart, brain, eye and overall health.*
Heart Health: From a better functioning heart to healthier blood vessels, there are many reasons why people with higher Omega-3 blood levels have better heart health.*
Brain Health: Omega-3s play a role in brain health during every phase of life – from infant brain development to maintaining cognitive function as we age.*
Eye Health: Omega-3 DHA is a main component of eyes and having higher levels of Omega-3s is related to better eye health and visual development.*
Overall Health: There are multiple benefits to the mind and body in having a higher Omega-3 Index, all of which contribute to slower aging.*
Why Omega Quant?
Omega Quant is the world’s only CLIA-certified laboratory dedicated to fatty acid analysis
- Uses the same test that has been used in 200+ research studies
- Validated and standardized testing methods
- Recognized experts in fatty acid research
- Easy-to-understand reports based on well-established scientific studies
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Omega-3 Index Derived?
A blood test that measures the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in red blood cell membranes and expressed as a percent of total fatty acids.
There are 64 fatty acids in this model membrane, four of which are EPA or DHA.
4/64 = 6.25%
Omega-3 Index = 6.25%
What is a Desirable Omega-3 Index?A desirable Omega-3 Index is 8 – 12%.
Red Blood Cell EPA + DHA(% of total fatty acids)
How Do I Complete the Test?
1. Collect Sample: Follow simple instructions to collect your sample.
2. Mail Sample: Place collection card in the mail in the pre-paid return envelope.
3. Get Results: In about 2 weeks, you will receive an email with your personlized results including individualized recommendations.
4. Monitor: Monitor your diet and your dietary changes and retest every 4 months to track levels over time.
What is Included in the Personalized Report?
Tracking health data is proven to help one reach their goals.
Omega-3, Omega-6 and trans fats all play a role in a patient’s health. Tracking these numbers can help optimize them for his/her health.
Your Omega-3 Index report provides the following results:
- The Omega-3 Index
- Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio
- AA/EPA ratio
- Trans Fat Index
These measures all respond to what one eats. Everyone responds differently to diet changes so the only way to know is to test. We recommend testing every 4 months to confirm you are getting the right mix of fats in your diet.
Your results. Supported by science.
Actionable: Fatty acid levels start changing as soon as you change your diet and lifestyle and stabilize in 3-4 months.
Personalized: Personalized dietary recommendations based off your test results.
Certified: All samples are processed in a central CLIA-certified laboratory.
Validated: The same validated and standardized sample processing methodology used in over 200 research studies.
Compare: Percentile ranks show you how your results compare to your peers.
What can I do to Correct My Omega-3 Index?
Increase EPA+DHA intake through diet and supplements. The amount one would need to take in order to raise his/her Omega-3 Index into the target range (>8%) depends in part on their starting level, but it cannot be predicted with certainty.
Omega-3 Index between 4% and 8%
It is recommended that one would increase his/her current EPA+DHA intake by 0.5 -1 gram (500 – 1000 mg) per day.
This can be accomplished in two ways: eating more oily fish and/or taking fish oil supplements.
Omega-3 Index less than 4%
It is recommended that one would raise his/her intake by 1-3 g (1000 – 3000 mg) per day.
Although this can be accomplished by eating more oily fish, fish oil supplements are usually necessary to achieve this level of EPA+DHA intake.
In OmegaQuant’s experience, to increase the Omega-3 Index by 4%, one would need to increase his/her intake by about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day for roughly 6 months. Alternatively, one could increase by 2 g/d and a 4% increase could be achieved more quickly. In other words, raising the Index is a function of both dose and time.
What is the Omega-3 Index Test? from Standard Process Inc. on Vimeo.
How the Omega-3 Index Plus Test Works from Standard Process Inc. on Vimeo.
