Omega-3 Total
O3T
Description
"Omega-3 Total" test measures overall levels of EPA, DHA, and ALA in your blood to assess cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammatory status. Doctors may order this test when symptoms like fatigue, memory decline, or elevated cholesterol suggest possible deficiency. Low levels may reflect inadequate intake or impaired absorption. Results help guide adjustments in supplementation and diet. This test supports proactive strategies to protect cognitive performance, reduce cardiovascular risk, and maintain long-term inflammatory balance.
Category
Fatty Acids
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Whole Blood
Units
Percentage
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Omega Fatty Acid Group, Fatty Acid Group, Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group
Test Group Description
Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group: This comprehensive group includes an expanded panel of tests covering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Fatty Acid Group: Evaluates fatty acid levels, offering insights into lipid metabolism and associated health conditions. Omega Fatty Acid Group: By evaluating the levels of essential omega fatty acids, this group provides insights into their presence and balance in the body, crucial for supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation regulation.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 8.00–12.90%
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 3.25–14.00%
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Decreased levels may indicate:
Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine)
Chronic inflammation
Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract)
Genetic factors (Inherited traits influencing omega-3 levels)
Imbalance with omega-6 fatty acids
Insulin resistan...
Key Reasons For Testing
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Evaluates cardiovascular risk through markers like triglycerides and blood pressure.
Inflammation Monitoring: Assesses inflammation levels linked to inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.
Nutritional Status Evaluation: Reflects dietary intake of omega-3s and overall nutritional health.
Risk Identification for Chronic Diseases: Identifies individuals at risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Harris WS, Mozaffarian D, Rimm E, et al. Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation.2009;119(6):902-907.
[2] Flock MR, Skulas-Ray AC, Harris WS, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and risk for cardiovascular disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2013;15(6):406.
[3] von Schacky C. Omega-3 index and cardiovascular health. Nutrients. 2014;6(2):799-814.
[4] Calder PC. Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms, and clinical relevance. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015;1851(4):469-484.
[5] Albert CM, Campos H, Stampfer MJ, et al. Blood levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and the risk of sudden death. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(15):1113-1118.
[6] Sun Q, Ma J, Campos H, et al. Blood concentrations of individual long-chain n-3 fatty acids and risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;88(1):216-223.
[7] Siscovick DS, Barringer TA, Fretts AM, et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (fish oil) supplementation and the prevention of clinical cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation.2017;135(15).
[8] Howe PR, Buckley JD, Murphy KJ. Concentrations of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocytes are inversely associated with obesity in middle-aged women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014;68(4):474-479.
[9] Stark KD, Van Elswyk ME, Higgins MR, et al. Global survey of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in the bloodstream of healthy adults. Prog Lipid Res. 2016;63:132-152.
[10] Harris WS. The omega-3 index as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(6):1997S-2002S.
[11] Wang C, Harris WS, Chung M, et al. n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(1):5-17.
[12] Block RC, Harris WS, Reid KJ, et al. EPA and DHA in blood cell membranes: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis. 2008;197(2):821-825.
[13] Meyer BJ, Mann NJ, Lewis JL, et al. Dietary intakes and food sources of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipids. 2003;38(4):391-398.
[14] Harris WS, Tintle NL, Etherton TD, et al. Erythrocyte long-chain omega-3 fatty acid levels are inversely associated with mortality and incident cardiovascular disease: the Framingham Heart Study. J Clin Lipidol. 2018;12(3):718-727.
[15] Kromhout D, Yasuda S, Geleijnse JM, et al. Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work? Eur Heart J. 2012;33(4):436-443.