Omega-3 Basic

About this test

Key Benefits

• Measure key omega-3 fatty acids and your Omega-3 Index

• Gain insight into heart, brain, and inflammation-related health

• Identify potential deficiencies in essential fatty acids

• Simple at-home blood test, no clinic visit required

• Supports informed decisions about diet and supplementation

About the Test

This test measures:

• Omega-3 Index: The percentage of EPA and DHA in relation to total fatty acids, reflecting overall omega-3 status

• ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid): An essential fatty acid found in plant-based oils

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid): Supports heart health and helps regulate inflammation

• DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid): Acts as an intermediate in omega-3 metabolism

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): Important for brain function, vision, and development

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, meaning the body cannot produce them on its own and they must be obtained through diet or supplements.

Who Should Consider This Test?

This test may be useful if you:

• Want to support heart and brain health

• Have a low intake of fatty fish or omega-3-rich foods

• Are managing inflammation-related conditions

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy

• Want to optimize your nutritional balance

How It Works & Sample Collection

Order your kit online, collect a finger-prick blood sample at home, and send it back using the prepaid envelope. Your digital results are provided once the analysis is complete.

For best accuracy, the test should be taken in the morning while fasting.

Analysis Method and Laboratory

Your sample is analyzed in an ISO-Certified laboratory using GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detection), a highly precise method for separating and measuring fatty acids, ensuring accurate, reliable, and high-quality results.

Biomarkers included

• Omega-3 Index: The Omega-3 Index is a measure of the percentage of EPA and DHA (the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids) in red blood cell membranes. It reflects long-term dietary intake of omega-3s and is considered a strong predictor of cardiovascular health risk. A higher Omega-3 Index is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid, meaning the body cannot produce it and it must be obtained through diet. ALA can be converted into longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, although this conversion is limited in many individuals. Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in normal cell membrane function and play roles in cardiovascular, brain, and inflammatory pat
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in fatty fish and certain algae. It is incorporated into cell membranes and serves as a precursor to signaling molecules that help regulate inflammation, blood vessel function, and platelet activity. EPA status is often assessed as part of a fatty acid profile and is discussed in relation to cardiovascular health and inflammatory balance. Measure
• Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA): Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that plays an important role in supporting health, though it is less well-known than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Found mainly in fish and seafood, DPA supports cardiovascular function, brain health, and overall well-being.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid and a major structural component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain and retina. It supports normal brain development and function and contributes to visual health. The body can produce only small amounts of DHA from shorter-chain omega-3s, so DHA is primarily obtained through diet (for example, fatty fish and algae) or supplements. Adequate DHA stat

How to prepare

You take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. You can take supplements, but results will reflect current intake. For baseline levels, pause supplements for 3–7 days (or 2–4 weeks for a more accurate baseline).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Omega-3 Index and why is it important?

The Omega-3 Index represents the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. A level of 8% or higher is generally considered optimal for cardiovascular protection, while levels below 4% may indicate a higher risk for health complications.

How often should I test my omega-3 levels?

Since the life cycle of red blood cells is approximately 120 days, it takes time for dietary changes to be reflected in your blood levels. We recommend retesting every 3 to 4 months after making significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Glad I checked my levels because I was actually lower than I thought despite my diet. Good to have a baseline.
• 5/5 — Fast shipping and easy instructions.
• 5/5 — Super easy to use at home and much cheaper than the clinic.
• 4/5 — Simple finger prick test.
• 4/5 — Process was simple enough but took nearly three weeks for my results to arrive. The data itself was very helpful for my supplement routine.