GENERAL
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. This test uses dried blood spot (DBS) collection.
FATTY ACID BENEFITS (EPA, DHA, GLA)
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Lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol; decreases blood clotting time
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Anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory effect that benefits heart tissue
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Structural in brain and retinal tissue; improves learning and memory
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Critical in fetal and infant development
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Improves hyperactivity in children and depression in adults
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Treatment for autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, PMS, RA, MS
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Improves skin integrity
INCLUDED IN THE TEST REPORT
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Full 24 Fatty Acid Profile
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Omega-3 Index
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Trans Fat Index
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Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio
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AA/EPA ratio