Description
Measures 10 major fatty acids in the body which reflects one’s status of both dietary fat, and stored fat.
Research shows that the Omega 3 Index is highly predictive of cardiovascular disease, and especially predictive of sudden death caused by a heart attack. Omega 3 fatty acids can prevent heart irregularities called arrhythmias, which is the culprit behind sudden cardiac death. Since the first symptom of heart disease is often a fatal heart attack, the Omega 3 Index has profound implications.
When the Omega 3 Index is high (above 8%), there is an astounding 90% reduction in risk of sudden death, whereas an index less than 4% has highest level of risk. “So many people are taking fish oils or omega-3 fatty acid supplements nowadays. People want to know if these supplements are being absorbed and utilized by their body efficiently, or if they are taking the correct dosage, “ comments Dr. Fred Crawford, Vice President of Operations and Laboratory Director for SpectraCell. “This test finally allows a person to monitor their omega 3 status.”
The Omega 3 Index will also tell a person the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in their body. Omega 6 fatty acids contribute to inflammation while omega 3 fatty acids reduce whole body inflammation. Our Paleolithic ancestors, who were completely free of degenerative diseases like heart disease, arthritis and dementia, maintained an omega 6 to omega 3 ratio around 2:1. The modern Western industrialized diet has dramatically changed that ratio to closer to 15:1 or even higher for the average American. This shift in fatty acids throughout our body contributes to several disease states including depression, Alzheimers, asthma, chronic fatigue, cancers, even gum disease.
