Lexicon
Omega-3 Index
Definition
The Omega-3 Index has been defined as eicosapentaenoic plus docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA) in erythrocytes, with a standardized analytical procedure that conforms to the standards of clinical chemistry forming an integral part of the definition. [1] It reflects the EPA + DHA status of a given individual and can be determined by a standardised and reproducible laboratory procedure. [2] The Omega-3 Index is emerging as a risk factor for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, adding incremental information to standard risk factor algorithms. [1]
How it works
Blood levels of EPA and DHA reflect dietary intake and other variables and are preferably assessed as a percentage in erythrocytes with a well-documented and standardized analytical method. [3] EPA and DHA are antiarrhythmic on the supraventricular and ventricular levels and also have an anti-atherosclerotic effect, mechanisms that underpin the protective association of a higher index. [4] Assessing or recommending dietary intake of EPA and DHA does not predict the resulting Omega-3 Index, so the biomarker is measured directly rather than inferred from intake. [4]
Connected concepts
How it's measured
Because of low biological and analytical variability, a standardized analytical procedure and a large database, blood levels of EPA + DHA are frequently assessed in erythrocytes using the HS-Omega-3 Index methodology. [5] In the 2024 Omega-3 world map, weighted mean country Omega-3 Index levels were categorized as very low at or below 4%, low above 4 to 6%, moderate above 6 to 8%, and desirable above 8%. [6]
What levels mean
Every human being has an Omega-3 Index between 2 and 20%, with an optimum of 8-11%, and compared to an optimal index a lower index was associated with increased risk for total mortality and ischemic stroke, reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, and accelerated progression to dementia in epidemiologic studies. [3] In epidemiological studies a steep dependence of risk for sudden cardiac death on the Omega-3 Index has been observed between 6.5% (risk 0.1) and 3.3% (risk 1.0). [2]
Community knowledge
## Omega-3 Index And Cardiovascular Risk
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- 1.von Schacky C. The Omega-3 Index as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat · 2011
- 2.von Schacky C, Harris WS. Cardiovascular risk and the omega-3 index. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · 2007
- 3.von Schacky C. Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function. Nutrients · 2021
- 4.von Schacky C. Cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · 2009
- 5.von Schacky C. Omega-3 index and cardiovascular health. Nutrients · 2014
- 6.Schuchardt JP, Beinhorn P, Hu XF, Chan HM, Roke K, Bernasconi A, Hahn A, Sala-Vila A. Omega-3 world map: 2024 update.
Community discussion
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