Blood draw
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profile
EPA, DHA, total fatty acids and the omega-3 index in whole blood.
€ 87,00
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Heart and vessels · Blood
Omega-3 index
The share of the fish fatty acids EPA and DHA in all fatty acids in your blood; a measure of how much oily fish or fish oil you take in.
At a glance
- Measured in blood
- In 2 test panels
- No special preparation
Explanation
Omega-3 index: what is measured?
The laboratory measures the amount of EPA, DHA and all fatty acids together in whole blood (EDTA blood). The omega-3 index is calculated from this: EPA plus DHA as a percentage of the total fatty acids. EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids found mainly in oily fish; the body makes only a little of them itself. This is different from the classic omega-3 index from the research by Harris, which measures the share of EPA and DHA in the wall of red blood cells. Figures from those studies or from other laboratories can therefore not be compared one to one with this result.
What can it detect?
- Low intake of fish fatty acids (EPA and DHA), for example when eating little or no fish
- The effect of eating more fish or taking fish oil or algae oil on the amount of fish fatty acids in the body
Result
What does the result mean?
Omega-3 index too high
A high omega-3 index means that there is relatively a lot of EPA and DHA in your blood, usually from regularly eating oily fish or taking fish oil or algae oil supplements. The laboratory uses a target value above 8 percent. That cut-off comes from research abroad on the classic index in red blood cells and is not an agreed Dutch cut-off value. A high index does not mean that other risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking carry less weight. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum), high doses of fish oil (a few grams per day) can increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders and slow down blood clotting.
Omega-3 index too low
A low omega-3 index means that there is little EPA and DHA in your blood. This is usually due to eating little or no fish, for example with a vegetarian or vegan diet. In research abroad on the classic index in red blood cells, a low index is associated with more deaths from heart disease, but that does not prove that raising the index lowers that risk. The Health Council of the Netherlands advises eating fish once a week, preferably oily fish; that provides about the recommended 200 milligrams of fish fatty acids per day. A low index does not cause symptoms itself.
After an abnormal result
An abnormal omega-3 index usually does not lead to further tests by the GP. With a low value, the general dietary advice of the Health Council of the Netherlands is the starting point: fish once a week, preferably oily fish, or a supplement with EPA and DHA for those who do not eat fish.
Reliability
How reliable is the test?
The index was proposed by researchers abroad as a risk factor for death from heart disease; its inventor himself wrote that standardized laboratory methods are needed first before the test can be used in routine care. According to the multidisciplinary guideline on cardiovascular risk management, extra biomarkers such as this one add little to the estimate of the risk of cardiovascular disease, also in people with cardiovascular disease, and it has not been shown that fish oil supplements lower that risk. The index is, however, a reasonable measure of how much fish fatty acids someone has taken in over the past months.
What can affect the result?
- This result was measured in whole blood and calculated as a percentage of the total fatty acids, while the classic omega-3 index measures the wall of red blood cells. Results and cut-off values from other sources or other laboratories can therefore not be compared one to one.
- The target value of 8 percent comes from research abroad on the classic index and has not been set by a Dutch guideline or professional association.
- A meal with oily fish or a fish oil capsule shortly before the sample collection can temporarily raise the value; a lasting change in intake only becomes visible after weeks.
- The result says nothing about cholesterol, blood pressure or other risk factors that carry much more weight.
Who it is for
Who is the test useful for?
Useful for
The test is mainly informative for people who want to know whether their intake of fish fatty acids is sufficient, for example with a vegetarian or vegan diet, or to follow the effect of more fish or a supplement. For the advice, the test is usually not needed: according to the Health Council of the Netherlands, anyone who eats oily fish once a week gets enough fish fatty acids, and anyone who does not eat fish can choose a supplement with EPA and DHA. The test is not suitable for estimating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How common is it?
There are no Dutch figures on the omega-3 index in the population. A low index is to be expected in people who eat little or no fish and do not take a supplement with EPA and DHA.
No Dutch figures available
Drawbacks and risks
- A low index can cause worry about the heart and blood vessels, while it has not been shown that raising it prevents heart disease.
- A result can prompt people to take high doses of fish oil; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum), a few grams of EPA and DHA per day can increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders and slow down blood clotting.
Evidence
Sources
This explanation is based on Dutch guidelines and independent information. It is general information, not a diagnosis. Discuss an abnormal result with your GP.
More about risks and results- Harris WS. The omega-3 index as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:1997S-2002S (PubMed-samenvatting)
- Voedingscentrum: Omega 3 en omega 6 (advies Gezondheidsraad)
- FMS Richtlijnendatabase, richtlijn CVRM: Voeding bij CVRM
- FMS Richtlijnendatabase: CVRM, module Andere voorspellers van het risico op hart- en vaatziekten
- NHG-Standaard Cardiovasculair risicomanagement (M84)
More explanations
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