OMEGA-3 INDEX COMPLETE:
A complete fatty acid profile test.
Assessing Essential Fatty Acids
While traditionally the health impact of fatty acids was mainly associated with cardiovascular disease, it is now widely recognized that fatty acids also play a crucial role in the development of other diseases including type 2 diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Thus, maintaining optimal levels of fatty acids is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
MosaicDX provides the Omega-3 Index Complete Test which assesses the fatty acid levels in blood using a dried blood spot for collection. This comprehensive test not only reports the levels of all 24 fatty acids but also includes the Omega-3 index, ratios, and the trans-fat index, providing a holistic analysis of one’s fatty acid status.
- Dried Blood Spot
- Turnaround Time: 1-2 weeks
Turnaround times are estimates.
What Patients Might Benefit from Omega-3 Index Testing?
Abnormal fatty acids status has been associated with many conditions, including but not limited to:
- ADHD
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Arthritis
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Certain Cancers
- Cognitive Development
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Learning Ability
- Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Details
Analytes List
Sample Report
Test Prep and Instructions
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Details
Details
Why Conduct the Omega-3 Index Complete Test?
Understanding and maintaining proper levels of fatty acids is a vital key to optimizing health. The Omega-3 Index Complete Test provides comprehensive information and includes the following:
Omega-3 Index
The Omega-3 Index is the proportion of long-chain omega-3s, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), of all fatty acids in your red blood cell membranes. It reflects the omega-3 status of your body over the last 4 months, similar to how hemoglobin A1C reflects long-term glucose blood levels. As a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, an Omega-3 Index in the 8-12% range may help to maintain heart, brain, eye and joint health. To increase your Omega-3 Index, eat foods rich in EPA and DHA, especially “oily” fish such as those in the accompanying table. They can also be obtained from dietary supplements (fish, krill, cod liver, algal oils) and functional foods (omega-3 enriched milk, eggs, etc.).
Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio
Omega-6:Omega-3 (n6:n3) ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of seven omega-6 fatty acids by the sum of four omega-3 fatty acids in whole blood. Only one omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), and one omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), make up the AA:EPA ratio. The desirable range for the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio is 3:1 to 5:1, and the desirable range for the AA:EPA ratio is 2.5:1 – 11:1. The desirable ranges for the ratios were calculated to correspond to the desirable range for the Omega-3 Index due to the strong relationship between among these metrics.
The Trans-Fat Index
The Trans Fat Index is the percent of 18:1 and 18:2 trans fatty acids of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes, and the desirable range is <1%. Trans fatty acids (or trans fats) in our blood come only from the food we eat because our bodies cannot make them. Trans fats in the diet come from two sources: 1) industrial production by the “partial hydrogenation” of vegetable oils, in which liquid oils are converted into solid fats to be used in processed foods, and 2) meat and milk products of ruminant animals, like cows and goats. The fatty acids that make up the Trans Fat Index were chosen because they were typically found in processed foods, but a small amount may come from ruminant sources.
Analytes List
Analytes
The Omega-3 Index Complete can help determine if supplementation or dietary changes are needed to reduce related symptoms and support optimal health.
Below is a comprehensive list of fatty acids the profile includes along with a brief description and key analytes:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Monosaturated Fatty Acids
Saturated Fatty Acids
Trans Fatty Acids
Ratios
Sample Report
Sample Reports
The Omega-3 Index Complete test report displays the percentage whole blood levels for the following fatty acid groups:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- cis-Monosaturated Fatty Acids
- Saturated Fatty Acids
- Trans Fatty Acids
- Ratios
Test Prep and Instructions
Test Prep and Instructions
MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that simplify testing. Our kits include visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection, personalized shipping cards, and pediatric collection bags if needed. With MosaicDX, patients can easily collect samples for testing with confidence and accuracy.
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Abnormal fatty acids status has been associated with many conditions, including but not limited to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Learning ability
- Cognitive development
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Certain cancers
- Oxidative stress
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
Omega-3 Index Complete Test (Dry Blood Spot)
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The ordering process for MosaicDX tests starts with your healthcare practitioner assessing your symptoms and recommending the most appropriate test.
Once a test has been recommended, collection kits can be conveniently ordered and delivered straight to your doorstep. If you already have a collection kit, you can register your test and begin the process at your convenience.
It is important to carefully follow the collection instructions and include all required information about yourself and your specimens when registering your test. When your specimens are collected, you can use the prepaid shipping materials provided in your kit to ship them to MosaicDX. Your results will be accessible online via the MosaicDX portal. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare practitioner to discuss your results and develop a plan for your healthcare
To ensure optimal results, it is recommended to ship urine specimens to the laboratory immediately after collection as they start degrading in quality soon after. In case immediate shipping is not possible, here are some guidelines for specimen stability: Urine samples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and for extended periods in the freezer. This applies to all urine tests performed at MosaicDX, except for the Kryptopyrrole test, for which urine must be frozen immediately and received within 24 hours of collection for accurate results.
- Lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol; decreases blood clotting time
- Anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory effect that benefits heart tissue
- Structural in brain and retinal tissue; improves learning and memory
- Critical in fetal and infant development
- Improves hyperactivity in children and depression in adults
- Treatment for autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, PMS, RA, MS
- Improves skin integrity
Please refer to your test’s specific Test Preparation and Instructions for more information regarding the potential effects of medications, foods, and supplements on this test.
You make also consult your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medications.
The Wellness Trinity offers written interpretations within test reports and complimentary consultations with our clinical educators for qualified practitioners. To schedule a consultation, simply sign up fora consultation for your Test results reading.
We encourage all patients to discuss results with your practitioner.
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