Omega-3 Index Complete Test

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.

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

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 currant 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.

CPT CODES

82542

No Medicare Coverage