The combined EPA and DHA share of red blood cell membranes, a marker of omega-3 status.
The Omega-3 Index measures the combined amount of two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in your red blood cell membranes. It is expressed as a percentage of all the fatty acids in those membranes.
Because red blood cells live for about four months, this index reflects your average omega-3 status over weeks, not just your last meal. It is a stable, long-term marker.
EPA and DHA come mainly from oily fish and supplements, and they support heart, brain, and cell membrane health. A higher Omega-3 Index is linked to lower cardiovascular risk, while a low index is common in people who eat little fish.
The index is widely used to check whether your intake is enough and to guide changes in diet or supplements.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Adult guidance values (guidance only, vary by lab and method):
| Category | Omega-3 Index (EPA+DHA, % of RBC fatty acids) |
|---|---|
| Desirable | > 8% |
| Intermediate | 4 to 8% |
| Low / higher risk | < 4% |
You learn your long-term omega-3 status in one clear percentage and whether it sits in a protective range. A low result points to adding oily fish or omega-3 supplements within a personalized action plan, with a retest to confirm progress.
Recent changes in fish or supplement intake take weeks to show, so the index reflects the past months rather than the past days. Methods differ between labs, so compare results from the same assay. Very recent supplementation has little immediate effect on the membrane value.
Best read alongside the individual EPA, DHA, and ALA percentages and your wider cardiovascular and lipid markers.
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