OMEGA-3 INDEX COMPLETE TEST
Many studies have shown that people with higher (vs. lower) omega-3 index levels are at decreased risk for a variety of diseases. These include heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression to name a few. These people even live longer than those with lower levels. Raising your omega-3 index and keeping it up should help reduce your risk these conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish, especially “oily” fish such as those near the top in the accompanying table. The two most important omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. It should be noted that omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil (alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA) will have little to no effect on your Omega-3 Index. Therefore, ALA is not an effective substitute for EPA and DHA. To make sure your Omega-3 Index remains in the target range you should re-check it every six months.
FATTY ACID BENEFITS (EPA, DHA, GLA)
Lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol; decreases blood clotting time
Anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory effect that benefits heart tissue
Structural in brain and retinal tissue; improves learning and memory
Critical in fetal and infant development
Improves hyperactivity in children and depression in adults
Treatment for autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, PMS, RA, MS
Improves skin integrity
INCLUDED IN THE TEST REPORT
Full 24 Fatty Acid Profile
Omega-3 Index
Trans Fat Index
Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio
AA/EPA ratio
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE of FATTY ACIDS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Flax seed oil as source of ALA from which EPA and DHA are synthesized
Fish oil or cod liver oil as direct sources of EPA and DHA
Evening primrose oil, borage oil or black current oil as source of GLA if insufficiently synthesized
Hemp oil as source of both ALA and GLA
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Dried Blood Spot (DBS): One drop of blood on collection card. Please see kit instructions for all collection details.
Turnaround Time
7-10 days (May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays)
