HS-Omega-3 Index®

The HS-Omega-3 Index® test measures levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Research has shown an inverse correlation between the HS-Omega-3 Index® and relative risk of sudden cardiac death (that is, higher index associated with lower risk). At the highest omega-3 level, the risk of sudden cardiac death is reduced by 90%.

An HS-Omega-3 Index® over 8% indicates the lowest relative risk for death from CHD, whereas an index below 4% indicates the highest.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.

Instructions

Click here to view Omega Blood Test Instructions

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids in the human diet that are primarily found in oily fish like salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, etc. They are also available in fish oil soft gels. The principle omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  Over the last 25 years, compelling evidence has accumulated from epidemiological studies and large clinical trials demonstrating their beneficial impact on joint, brain, eye, and heart function.  With regard to cardioprotective effects of omega-3 oils, the strongest evidence to date relates to reducing risk for sudden cardiac death, the primary cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) death in the US today.

The American Heart Association reports that CHD is the number one killer of American men and women, accounting for more than one of every five deaths in the United States, usually as sudden death from cardiac arrest.  Recognizing the cardioprotective effects of omega-3s, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that patients with documented CHD should consume about 1,000 mg of omega-3s (specifically combined EPA+DHA) per day, and those without documented CHD should eat a variety of fish, preferably oily, at least twice a week, which would provide about 500 mg of EPA+DHA per day.

Researchers have discovered that one of the best risk indicators for sudden cardiac death is the level of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA) found in red blood cell membranes. Now there is a blood test —the HS-Omega-3 Index®— that can measure your levels of the cardioprotective omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. The HS-Omega-3 Index® test measures levels of DHA + EPA in the phospholipids of red blood cell membranes and is expressed as a percent of total fatty acids in the membrane.  The result is a simple, independent, and clinically modifiable marker for the risk of death from coronary heart disease.

The target HS-Omega-3 Index is 8% and above, a level that current research indicates is associated with the lowest risk for death from CHD. On the other hand, an Index of 4% or less (which is common in the US) indicates the highest risk. Low levels are easily corrected through dietary changes or supplements. Of course, this is just one of a number of risk factors that plays a role in CHD.  Risks associated with other factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, family history of CHD, smoking, or other cardiac conditions are completely independent of and not influenced by omega-3 fatty acids. Any and all modifiable risk factors – including the HS-Omega-3 Index—should be addressed as part of any global risk reduction strategy.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tab4

Dietary Sources

Fish & Seafood

The Content of DHA+EPA (in mg) in Commonly Consumed Types of Fish* and in Fish Oil Supplements (per 3 oz/85 g serving):

* Based on USDA Nutrient Data Lab values. Values are for fish cooked with dry heat unless otherwise noted.
† Because of the possibility for mercury contamination, the FDA and EPA recommend that these fish (along with King Mackerel and Tilefish) not be consumed by women who are already or are trying to become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children under the age of two. For all other people, the intakes of these fish should be limited to 6 oz per week (or 12 oz per week for albacore tuna).

Table adapted from Harris et al. Current Atherosclerosis Reports 2008;10:503-509.

Dietary Supplements