Omega-3 index blood test

DHA and EPA: essential fatty acids - information on the omega-3 index

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. The body cannot produce some omega-3 fatty acids (such as minerals, most vitamins and certain amino acids) that are essential for certain physiological functions. The essential omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are mainly found in fish. EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function, normal blood pressure and healthy blood lipid levels. In addition, DHA supports healthy brain function and the maintenance of good vision. It is also important to get enough DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Check whether your intake of EPA and DHA is sufficient.

With this omega-3 index blood test you can check whether your intake of EPA and DHA from food and supplements is sufficient. The omega-3 index should ideally be at least 8% and a maximum of 11%. This value represents the proportion of EPA/DHA in the total fat content in the cell membrane of the red blood cells (erythrocytes). This blood test also determines values for saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats. The EPA/AA ratio is another important value of this blood test. Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid, the proportion of which must not be too high compared to EPA.

Measure over 20 different fatty acids with just one finger prick test

20 different fatty acids can be measured with just one finger prick test. You can also easily perform the blood test at home. The test kit includes clear instructions for taking the blood sample and sending it to the laboratory. Please follow the instructions carefully. Don't forget to register the test kit online before sending the sample. Once the blood sample has arrived at the laboratory, it usually takes 1 to 2 weeks before you receive the result (via e-mail).

Of importance

The person must be fasting at the time of the blood test (10 hours without food intake and fluid intake only in the form of water). People with an increased risk of bleeding or those taking anticoagulants should seek medical advice before taking this test.

Omega-3 index below 8%. What happens now?

You can raise your omega-3 index to the desired level with a sufficient intake of EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are found in oily and lean fish (such as salmon, sardines, halibut, mackerel and herring), seafood (such as oysters, lobster, scampi and prawns), algae and seaweed. To optimise the omega-3 index, you should consume 1000-2000 mg EPA/DHA daily. If not everyone consumes enough fish or seafood, a dietary supplement with EPA/DHA from fish oil or algae oil is often a practical and effective solution. It may be useful to repeat the blood test after three months at the latest to check whether the optimum range of 8-11% has been reached.

Omegametrix Vitals offers this blood test in co-operation with Mijnlabtest.nl. The blood samples are analysed in the German laboratory Omegametrix by Prof. Clemens von Schacky, who is one of the original discoverers of the omega-3 index and its importance for health. Omegametrix is an internationally recognised laboratory in the field of fatty acid research. Omegametrix offers a proven Omega-3 Index blood test that has been used in over 200 human studies.

Do you have questions about the Omega-3 Index blood test?

If you have any questions about the test kit, blood sample collection, dispatch to the laboratory in Germany or the test result, please contact Meinlabtest.de by e-mail at info@meinlabtest.de or by telephone on +49 (0) 271 384 600-0.

Authorised health claims for EPA and DHA:

• EPA and DHA support normal heart function with a daily intake of 250 mg.
• EPA and DHA are beneficial for the maintenance of healthy blood lipid levels at a daily intake of 2 g EPA/DHA.
• At a daily intake of 3 g EPA/DHA, EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
• DHA at a daily dose of 250 mg is important for healthy brain function and vision.
• At a daily dose of 250 mg DHA, it functions as an essential component of the brain.
• DHA influences the functioning of the retina at a daily intake of 250 mg.
• If a breastfeeding mother consumes 200 mg daily in addition to the recommended daily dose of 250 mg EPA and DHA, this supports the normal eye and brain development of her infants.

For Germany only

We would like to point out that this test and the shipping procedures are optimised and pre-paid for Germany. Orders from abroad are problematic because the perishable biological samples may only be in transit for a limited time (maximum 4 days). Customers from other countries can of course try at their own risk, but should the test fail, we decline all responsibility or reimbursement.