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 certain omega-3 fatty acids (such as minerals, most vitamins and certain amino acids) itself, even though they are essential for specific physiological functions. The essential omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found primarily in fish. EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function, normal blood pressure and healthy blood lipid levels. Furthermore, DHA supports healthy brain function and the maintenance of good eyesight. It is also important to ensure an adequate intake of DHA during pregnancy and whilst 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. Ideally, the Omega-3 Index should be at least 8% and no more than 11%. This value represents the proportion of EPA/DHA in the total fat content of the cell membranes of red blood cells (erythrocytes). This blood test also measures levels of saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats. The EPA/AA ratio is another important measure provided by this blood test. Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid, and its proportion relative to EPA must not be too high.

Measure over 20 different fatty acids with just a single finger-prick test

A single finger-prick test can measure 20 different fatty acids. You can easily carry out the blood test at home. The test kit includes clear instructions on how to take the blood sample and send 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 for you to receive the results (via email).

Important

The person must have been fasting at the time of the blood test (10 hours without food and with fluids limited to water only). People at increased risk of bleeding, or those taking anticoagulants, should seek medical advice before taking this test.

Omega-3 index below 8%. What should you do next?

By ensuring an adequate intake of EPA and DHA, you can raise your Omega-3 Index to the desired level. 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), as well as in algae and seaweed. To optimise your omega-3 index, you should consume 1000–2000 mg of EPA/DHA daily. For those who do not eat enough fish or seafood, a dietary supplement containing EPA/DHA from fish oil or algae oil is often a practical and effective solution. It may be advisable to repeat the blood test after three months at the latest to check whether the optimal range of 8–11% has been achieved.

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

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

If you have any questions about the test kit, taking a blood sample, sending it to the laboratory in Germany or the test results, please contact Meinlabtest.de by email at info@meinlabtest.de or by telephone on +49 (0) 271 384 600-0.

Permitted health claims regarding EPA and DHA:

• EPA and DHA support normal heart function when taken at a daily intake of 250 mg.
• EPA and DHA are beneficial for maintaining healthy blood lipid levels when taken at a daily intake of 2 g of EPA/DHA.
• When taken at a daily intake of 3 g EPA/DHA, EPA and DHA help maintain normal blood pressure.
• DHA is important for healthy brain function and vision when taken at a daily dose of 250 mg.
• At a daily dose of 250 mg of DHA, it acts as an essential component of the brain.
• At a daily intake of 250 mg, DHA influences the functioning of the retina.
• If a breastfeeding mother consumes 200 mg daily in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250 mg of 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 dispatch procedures are optimised for Germany and are prepaid. Orders from more distant countries are problematic simply because the perishable biological samples may only be in transit for a limited time (a maximum of 4 days). Customers from other countries may, of course, attempt to use the service at their own risk; however, should the test fail, we accept no liability or offer any refund.