- Omega-3 Index Basic
- Omega-3 Index Plus
- Omega-3 Index Complete
Omega-3s and vitamin D support a healthy aging process and proper intake is highly encouraged among older individuals. But how much is enough? Only an Omega-3 Index or Vitamin D test will tell you.
Omega-3s and vitamin D support a healthy aging process and proper intake is highly encouraged among older individuals. But how much is enough? Only an Omega-3 Index or Vitamin D test will tell you.
Expand
For one study, researchers tracked more than 2600 adults from 1992 to 2006 to see if they continued to live without chronic diseases and without mental or physical problems. Blood levels of the long chain omega-3s EPA, DPA and DHA, as well as the short-chain omega-3 ALA, were measured three times over the ensuing years and averaged to give a long-term estimate of omega-3 status.
The research team reported that higher overall levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, but not of the short-chain fatty acid ALA, were found in those individuals who the researchers referred to as “healthy agers.” On top of this finding, the risk for death from any cause was reduced by 33% when comparing those with the highest Omega-3 Index to those with the lowest.
Expand
A study published in 2017 also confirmed that people with higher Omega-3 Index levels have a longer lifespan. In this case, researches looked at the Omega-3 Index levels of more than 6000 postmenopausal women (age 65-80) who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study, a large, prospective cohort study that has been following the health outcomes of a group of US women for more than 20 years.
Compared to those with low a Omega-3 Index (<4%), women with optimal Omega-3 Index levels (>8%) had a 31% reduced risk for death from any cause (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc.), leading to the conclusion that having an Omega-3 Index in the protective range (8-12%) is related to a longer and healthier life.
Association of fish and long-chain omega-3 tatty acids intakes with total mortality
Intake of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Diet and Supplements in Relation to Mortality
Circulating Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Healthy Aging: The Cardiovascular Health Study
One study showed that women with the highest blood levels of vitamin D3 are the least likely to experience hair thinning over time. This is because vitamin D helps create hair follicles, which leads to new hair growth. Another study showed that it indeed helps prevent falls because it supports the neuromuscular system function properly. Lastly, it helps the heart, stabilizes mood and promotes a healthy metabolism, all of which matter to seniors who want to live healthier for longer.
Are you a Healthcare Provider?
Diet is a key piece to maintaining proper health as you age. Help your patients stay on track with their nutritional status by testing their nutrients levels every 4-6 months.
Learn more about how to bring the power of testing to your patients. A simple finger stick and a drop of blood will tell you a lot about their nutritional status and how that relates to their health and longevity.