Details
Why Conduct the Omega-3 Index Complete Test?
Understanding and maintaining proper levels of fatty acids is a vital key to optimizing health. The Omega-3 Index Complete Test provides comprehensive information and includes the following:
Omega-3 Index
The Omega-3 Index is the proportion of long-chain omega-3s, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), of all fatty acids in your red blood cell membranes. It reflects the omega-3 status of your body over the last 4 months, similar to how hemoglobin A1C reflects long-term glucose blood levels. 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. To increase your Omega-3 Index, eat foods rich in EPA and DHA, especially “oily” fish such as those in the accompanying table. They can also be obtained from dietary supplements (fish, krill, cod liver, algal oils) and functional foods (omega-3 enriched milk, eggs, etc.).
Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio
Omega-6:Omega-3 (n6:n3) ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of seven omega-6 fatty acids by the sum of four omega-3 fatty acids in whole blood. Only one omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), and one omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), make up the AA:EPA ratio. The desirable range for the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio is 3:1 to 5:1, and the desirable range for the AA:EPA ratio is 2.5:1 – 11:1. The desirable ranges for the ratios were calculated to correspond to the desirable range for the Omega-3 Index due to the strong relationship between among these metrics.
The Trans-Fat Index
The Trans Fat Index is the percent of 18:1 and 18:2 trans fatty acids of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes, and the desirable range is <1%. Trans fatty acids (or trans fats) in our blood come only from the food we eat because our bodies cannot make them. Trans fats in the diet come from two sources: 1) industrial production by the “partial hydrogenation” of vegetable oils, in which liquid oils are converted into solid fats to be used in processed foods, and 2) meat and milk products of ruminant animals, like cows and goats. The fatty acids that make up the Trans Fat Index were chosen because they were typically found in processed foods, but a small amount may come from ruminant sources.
Learn More About the Omega-3 Index Complete: Explore FAQs
Analytes
The Omega-3 Index Complete can help determine if supplementation or dietary changes are needed to reduce related symptoms and support optimal health.
Below is a comprehensive list of fatty acids the profile includes along with a brief description and key analytes:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids that are needed in the diet since the body cannot produce them. The four types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA, EPA, DHA, and DPA n-3. ALA is mainly derived from soybean oil and is recommended to be consumed at 1.5 grams per day. Sources rich in ALA are chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. EPA and DHA are not dietary essentials, but they have health benefits. The recommended daily intake for EPA and DHA varies between 250 mg/day to 500 mg/day for generally healthy adults and 1000 mg/day for patients with known heart disease. While a target range for the Omega-3 Index has been set at 8%-12%, there is not enough research to recommend a target blood level for ALA or DPA n3.
Key Analytes Include:
- Alpha-Linolenic
- Eicosapentaenoic
- Docosapentaenoic
- Docosahexaenoic
Omega-6 Fatty Acids consist of 7 fatty acids, with linoleic and arachidonic acids being the most prominent. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, while arachidonic acid is produced internally by the body. The intake of linoleic acid is recommended to be between 12 and 24 grams per day, with the average American consuming around 15 grams per day. Omega-6 fatty acids have been a topic of debate for their effects on heart health. However, most studies have shown that higher levels of linoleic acid in the diet are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, higher levels of arachidonic acid in the blood have been associated with lower rates of heart attacks. Hence, omega-6s are not “bad” for heart health but are, in fact, good. However, at present, it is difficult to define a healthy arachidonic acid level.
Key Analytes Include:
- Linoleic
- Gamma-Linolenic
- Eicosadienoic
- Dihomo-g-linolenic
- Arachidonic
- Docosatetraenoic
- Docosapentaenoic
cis-Monounsaturated Fatty Acids include four fatty acids, with oleic acid being the most prevalent. Oleic acid is not an essential fatty acid as it can be produced by the body. The role of oleic acid in heart health is controversial, with some studies suggesting higher is better and others suggesting the opposite. Hence, no strong science-based recommendation for target oleic acid levels in the blood can be provided. Most vegetable oils are rich sources of oleic acid, with olive and canola oils being among the richest. Palmitoleic acid, another fatty acid in this class, is a marker of excess carbohydrate in the diet. Levels below 0.5% are probably better than levels above, but research in this field is immature, and no firm target values can be set.
Key Analytes Include:
- Palmitoleic
- Oleic
- Eicosenoic
- Nervonic
The Omega-3 Index report lists 6 saturated fatty acids that differ chemically from unsaturated fatty acids in that they lack double bonds, resulting in straight carbon chains. These saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic and stearic acids, stack together easily and solidify at room temperature, making products like butter and lard solid. Diets high in palmitic acid may raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart attacks, but the link between palmitic acid intake and heart disease is still unclear. However, higher levels of palmitic acid in the blood are linked to a greater risk of diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to keep palmitic acid levels below the average of 23% to reduce the risk of diabetes. Replacing foods high in saturated fats with those higher in unsaturated (particularly polyunsaturated, omega-6 and omega-3) is still a good idea.
Key Analytes Include:
- Myristic
- Palmitic
- Stearic
- Arachidic
- Behenic
- Lignoceric
Trans fatty acids contain at least one double bond that differs in orientation from the natural “cis” orientation in the fatty acid molecule. Trans fatty acids act more like saturated than unsaturated fatty acids because they straighten out the molecule. Most trans fatty acids in our diets come from an industrial process called “partial hydrogenation” that converts liquid oils to solid fats. These industrially-produced trans fatty acids are bad for heart health and should be avoided. The target blood trans-fat level is less than 1%, which is associated with no increased risk for heart disease.
Key Analytes Include:
- Palmitelaidic
- Elaidic
- Linoelaidic
- Trans Fat Index
The Full Fatty Acid Profile Report includes two fatty acid ratios: the omega-6:omega-3 ratio and the AA:EPA ratio. While these ratios may be useful to some practitioners, the Omega-3 Index is the most informative and actionable component of the report. Consuming more EPA and DHA is the quickest and most efficient way to improve these ratios, rather than reducing omega-6 intake. It is not recommended to reduce omega-6 intake, as this has been associated with increased risk for heart disease. Target values for these ratios that correspond to an Omega-3 Index of 8% – 12% are: omega-6:omega-3 ratio, 3:1–5:1; AA:EPA ratio, 11:1–2.5:1.
Key Ratios:
Sample Reports
The Omega-3 Index Complete test report displays the percentage whole blood levels for the following fatty acid groups:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- cis-Monosaturated Fatty Acids
- Saturated Fatty Acids
- Trans Fatty Acids
- Ratios
Test Prep and Instructions
MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that simplify testing. Our kits include visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection, personalized shipping cards, and pediatric collection bags if needed. With MosaicDX, patients can easily collect samples for testing with confidence and accuracy.
