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Your omega-3 index reflects how well your diet supports heart and cellular health. This blood test measures your omega-3 index and the fatty-acid balance linked to inflammation, so you can adjust your diet or supplements with real numbers to work from.
A focused blood test of your omega fatty-acid profile, analysed with the OmegaQuant method. Tap a measure to see what it tells you.
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in your blood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. Studies have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health. Raising your Omega-3 Index to the desirable zone of 8 to 12 percent will help ensure you are getting enough of the right omega-3s (EPA and DHA) to protect your health.
Optimal range 8–12%. Reference range 2.8–15.4%. Reference ranges encompass about 99% of fatty-acid levels measured in adult populations.
The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (also written “n-6/n-3”) analyses seven (7) omega-6 fatty acids and four (4) omega-3 fatty acids. The total amount of omega-6s and omega-3s are divided by each other to get a ratio. A ratio of about 3:1 to 5:1 (omega-6 : omega-3) is recommended.
Optimal range 3:1 to 5:1. Reference range 1.9:1 to 14.6:1. Reference ranges encompass about 99% of fatty-acid levels measured in adult populations.
The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, against eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because powerful signalling molecules can be made from them. These molecules can affect anything from blood clotting to birth contractions to inflammatory responses. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health.
Optimal range 2.5:1 to 11:1. Reference range 1.1:1 to 69.1:1. Reference ranges encompass about 99% of fatty-acid levels measured in adult populations.
Eating foods with trans fats made from hydrogenated oils increases the risk for heart attacks. For years, trans fats were used to make all kinds of processed foods. But because of their effect on heart health, trans fats were deemed unsafe for human consumption and are being removed from food supply chains all over the world. However, other kinds of trans fats occur naturally at fairly low levels in meat and milk products, and they seem to have health benefits. The Trans Fat Index measures the trans fats from industrial production and should be kept below 1 percent.
Optimal range below 1%. Reference range 0.22–1.99%. Reference ranges encompass about 99% of fatty-acid levels measured in adult populations.
To calculate the Omega-3 Index, ratios and Trans Fat Index, the levels of all 24 individual fatty acids are measured. There is also much more to learn from knowing individual levels of fatty acids, like EPA and DHA levels, the specific omega-6 fatty acids that make up half the ratios, and more. While there is not yet conclusive agreement in the scientific community on what many fatty acid levels “mean” for health, these values provide interesting insights into your diet and health.
Tip: The Omega Fatty Acids Screen is included in the Comprehensive Nutritional Screen. Screen for common nutritional deficiencies along with understanding your omega fatty acid levels, for a complete overview of your nutritional status.
The Omega-3 Index is the amount of the two main omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in your red blood cell membranes, shown as a percentage. It reflects your longer-term omega-3 status rather than what you ate yesterday. A level of 8 to 12 percent is considered the desirable range.
Many important components of cells are made up of fats and thus, optimising the status of your fatty acids is critical to safeguarding your overall health. EPA and DHA are essential fats that support heart, brain and cellular health, and the body cannot make them in useful amounts, so they come mainly from oily fish or supplements. Many everyday diets are low in them. Knowing your level gives you a number to act on, rather than guessing from your diet.
Research that measures fatty acids in red blood cells has linked omega-3 status to several aspects of health. A lower Omega-3 Index has been associated with heart health and acute coronary syndrome, [1] cognitive impairment, [2] insulin resistance [3] and diabetes risk, [4] as well as measures of cellular ageing, [5] while higher levels of industrial trans fats have been linked to heart disease. [6] These are research associations; the screen measures your fatty-acid levels and does not diagnose or treat any condition.
One blood sample, analysed with the OmegaQuant method, produces a written report you can act on and repeat over time.
If your Omega-3 Index is low, you can raise it by eating more oily fish such as salmon, or with fish oil or algae-based supplements. Because levels change over about 3 to 4 months, a repeat test is a simple way to see whether your changes are working. Review your results and any changes with your doctor.
Book an appointment and consult our doctor. We will help you decide whether this screen suits your age, history and risk factors.
No. Fasting is not required, as this package does not contain any fasting tests.
The omega-3 index is a measure of the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in your red blood cells. It reflects your longer-term omega-3 status and is linked to heart and cellular health.
A level of 8 to 12 percent is considered desirable, while below 4 percent is considered low. Your report shows where you sit against a reference range.
It suits people reviewing their heart or inflammatory health, those taking or considering omega-3 supplements, and anyone who is concerned about longevity and ageing.
A cholesterol (lipid) test looks at fats linked to heart-disease risk. The Omega-3 Index instead measures the omega-3 fatty acids built into your cell membranes, a different marker that reflects your omega-3 intake over time.
If you change your diet or start a supplement, retesting after about three to four months shows whether your omega-3 index has improved. Review timing with the doctor for advice specific to you.
Yes. Algae-based EPA and DHA supplements can raise the Omega-3 Index. Plant omega-3 (ALA) from flax, chia or walnuts is healthy but converts to EPA and DHA only in small amounts, so it raises the index far less.
Yes. Home-based phlebotomy charges of $25 to $40 apply depending on your location in Singapore. WhatsApp us to schedule a home-based appointment.
A comprehensive medical report prepared and reviewed by the doctor will be provided to you with clear information regarding your results and next steps required, should there be any abnormal findings.
We do recommend that you still consider reviewing your results with the doctor for further clarity and individualised advice. Kindly note that additional charges shall apply for consultations and/or treatments prescribed, as these are not included in the package prices listed.
The associations above are drawn from published research; the screen measures your fatty-acid levels and is not a diagnostic test.
[1] Red-blood-cell fatty acid patterns and acute coronary syndrome. PLoS One, 2009 (PMC2673680).
[2] Cognitive impairment associated with a low Omega-3 Index, 2016 (PubMed 27701160).
[3] Erythrocyte fatty acid patterns and insulin resistance. Am J Clin Nutr, 2016 (PMC4763498).
[4] Erythrocyte fatty acids and diabetes risk. PLoS One, 2016 (article e0147894).
[5] Omega-3 levels and cellular (telomeric) ageing, 2010 (PMC2819264).
[6] Industrial trans-fat levels and heart disease. Eur Heart J, 2016;37(13):1072.
$198 standalone or $168 as a screening add-on, incl. GST · No fasting · Home-based available. Book today, or call us to arrange.
