The Omega-3 Index Basic Report includes:
- Omega-3 Index Report
- EPA and DHA Content in Fish and Supplements Table
At the top of the first page of every Omega-3 Index report is the contact information for the laboratory. Your patient information is located on the upper left-hand corner. Below this is your Omega-3 Index measured in zones Undesirable (under 4%) to Desirable (over 8%). A short discussion of omega-3 fatty acids follows, with recommendations for increased intakes that are customized to your Omega-3 Index report. Our Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) number is listed on the bottom righthand corner of each page.
The Omega-3 Index Report
EPA and DHA Content in Fish and Supplements Table
Beginning with Atlantic Salmon and ending with Orange Roughy, this table lists the EPA+DHA content of a variety of fish. Also listed is the content of EPA and DHA found in common supplements. These values (per 3 oz serving) are based on USDA Nutrient Data Lab values and are for fish cooked with dry heat unless otherwise noted. Please consult a physician about any dietary changes.
The Omega-3 Index Plus Report includes:
- Omega-3 Index Report (same as above)
- Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio Report (below)
- Trans Fat Index Report (below)
- EPA and DHA Content in Fish and Supplements Table (same as above)
- Trans Fat Levels in Foods Table (below)
The Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio Report
Trans Fat Index Report
Trans Fats Levels In Foods Table
The Omega-3 Index Complete Report includes:
- Omega-3 Index Report (same as above)
- Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio Report (same as above)
- Trans Fat Index Report (same as above)
- EPA and DHA Content in Fish and Supplements Table (same as above)
- Trans Fat Levels in Foods Table (same as above)
- Full Fatty Acid Profile Report (below)
Full Fatty Acid Profile Report
Along with the Omega-3 Index, the full fatty acid profile is listed for 26 fatty acids by group – Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, cis-Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Saturated Fatty Acids, and Trans Fatty Acids. We also list the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio and Arachidonic:EPA ratio. These are provided for reference only.
We do not list “normal” values for any fatty acid or ratio except for the Omega-3 Index on the report. This is not an oversight. We are acutely aware that, although there are “average” values for blood fatty acids in America, these are clearly not “optimal” levels. Average American levels of palmitic, stearic, oleic, trans oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, etc. are not necessarily “healthy” levels. At OmegaQuant, we don’t want our clients to aim for a target that is off-target.
As the research in this area matures, we will post “normal” values for reference only, and will recommend new “target” values when we believe that they have been adequately validated. It is our experience that most health care providers do not want us to report individual fatty acids as “high” or “low” because it generates many questions that not only do not need to be answered, but more importantly, cannot be answered based on current science. These values are for informational purposes only and are not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
Please note that the Omega-3 Index is calculated from whole blood EPA+DHA by a regression equation. The EPA + DHA values on the dried blood spot analysis will always differ somewhat from the RBC-based Omega-3 Index. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.