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 (like minerals, most vitamins and certain amino acids) that are essential for certain physiological functions. The main Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found mainly 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 ensure adequate DHA intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Check whether your intake of EPA and DHA is sufficient.

With this blood test for the Omega-3 Index 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 at most 11%. This value represents the proportion of EPA/DHA of the total fat content in the cell membrane of 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 in this blood test. Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid, the proportion of which should not be too high relative to EPA.

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

With just a single finger-prick test, 20 different fatty acids can be measured. You can also easily carry out 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 for you to receive the result (via e-mail).

Important

The person had to be fasting at the time of the blood test (10 hours without food and with fluids only in the form of water). People who are at increased risk of bleeding, or who are taking anticoagulant medication, should seek medical advice before this test.

Omega-3 Index below 8%. What 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 the Omega-3 Index, one should consume 1000–2000 mg EPA/DHA daily. If not everyone consumes enough fish or seafood, a dietary supplement containing EPA/DHA from fish oil or algal oil often provides a practical and effective solution. It may be sensible to repeat the blood test after three months at the latest to check whether the optimal range of 8–11% has been reached.

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 questions about the Omega-3 Index blood test?

If you have questions about the test kit, taking the blood sample, shipping 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.

Permitted health claims regarding EPA and DHA:

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart at a daily intake of 250 mg.
• EPA and DHA are beneficial for the maintenance of normal blood lipid levels when taken at 2 g EPA/DHA daily.
• EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure at a daily intake of 3 g EPA/DHA.
• DHA is important for normal brain function and vision at a daily dose of 250 mg.
• At a daily dose of 250 mg, DHA serves as an important structural component of the brain.
• At a daily intake of 250 mg, DHA influences the functioning of the retina.
• If a breastfeeding mother consumes an additional 200 mg daily on top of the recommended daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA, this supports the normal visual and brain development of her infants.

For Germany only

Please note that this test and the shipping procedures have been optimised and pre-stamped for Germany. Orders from more distant foreign countries are problematic for this reason, because the perishable biological samples may only be in transit for a limited time (maximum 4 days). Customers from other countries may of course try at their own risk; however, if the test fails we accept no responsibility or refund.