Omega 3 Index (Red Cell)

Omega‐3 fatty acids are essential to the human body and have benefits for our heart, brain, eyes and joints. By reducing inflammation, blood clots and improving membrane function, omega‐3 fats are associated with a lower risk of heart complications – including heart disease, plaque build‐up and heart attacks – both in persons with a history of heart disease and in healthy individuals. Omega‐3 fats are important for optimal brain development in babies and mental function, particularly later in life.

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Omega-3, omega-6 and trans fats all play a role in your health and are related to risk for heart disease. Tracking these numbers can help you optimize them for your health. The Omega-3 Index, Trans Fat Index, Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio and AA/EPA ratio all respond to what you eat. You can change your numbers simply by changing what your eat. Everyone responds differently to lifestyle changes so the only way to know how your blood levels respond is to test. We recommend testing and re-testing every 4 months to confirm you are getting the right mix of fats in your diet.

Test details

• Test code: 5029
• Category: Nutritional Analysis
• Kit requirements: Blood Spot (Fasting) or EDTA
• Collection method: CI05.25.01
• Test method: GCMS (Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry)
• Turnaround time: 12-14 Business Days

What is measured

• DHA
• Total monosat. fats
• Total omega 3, 6 & 9, EPA
• Total sat. fats

Common clinical applications

• Other Health Conditions
  • Eye health
  • Heart health
  • Joint diseases
  • Pre-natal / Infant health
• Mental and Emotional Health
  • Mental health

Resources

• Patient Brochure
• Sample Report

This test should be ordered and interpreted with guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Important: Test information is general only. Results should be interpreted with a qualified health practitioner and do not replace medical advice or diagnosis.