Published on July 23, 2020
Omega-3s are a healthy type of fat that comes in multiple forms. Omega-3s can be found in fish (EPA and DHA) and in plant oils such as flaxseed and soybean (ALA). The omega-3s found in fish (EPA and DHA) have been linked to the most health benefits. These benefits include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, asthma, inflammation, and cancer. These omega-3s can also help treat symptoms of lupus, arthritis, and dry eye disease. While ALA from plant oils can be converted to EPA and DHA, this happens at a very low level.
Since mid-2017, GrassrootsHealth has offered a home blood spot test for the Omega-3 Index, a measurement of the amount of EPA and DHA in red blood cell (RBC) membranes. This measurement reflects long-term (about four months) intake of EPA and DHA from food and supplements. Evidence suggests that achieving an Omega-3 Index of at least 8% is optimal for health whereas an index of less than 4% is deficient, particularly as it relates to cardiovascular disease.
What are the Omega-3 Index levels among GrassrootsHealth Participants?
Among the 2,777 participants who tested their Omega-3 Index, the average index was 5.7%. Almost one-fifth (18%) of participants have an Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher; 27% have an index between 6.0% and 7.9%, 45% have an index between 4.0% and 5.9%, and 10% have an index less than 4%.
Additionally, among those who completed two or more tests, 71% of those with an Omega-3 Index less than 8% increased their index after their first test. This indicates that when individuals are provided with information about their health, they are empowered to make changes and to take charge of their own health.
Have you measured your Omega-3 Index?
After you receive your Omega-3 Index results, we encourage you to use the Omega-3 Calculator to determine an estimated amount of how much more EPA+DHA you will need to reach 8% (or other desired goal). EPA+DHA is found in fish and many omega-3 supplements, but be sure you check how much EPA+DHA is in the specific types of fish you eat and the omega-3 supplements you take.
Do you know what your Omega-3 Index is? Check yours today!
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D to Help Yourself?
We’re in a time of great crisis that could be greatly affected by making sure you and everyone you know has a serum level of at least 40 ng/ml. Help us help you.
Do you know what your vitamin D level is? Be sure to test today to find out, and take steps to keep it within a target of 40-60 ng/ml or 100-150 nmol/L! Give your immune system the nutrients it needs to support a healthy you and protect yourself from unnecessary diseases.
GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute is preparing to do a Community RCT with the use of our myData-myAnswers nutrient health system that over 15,000 people are already using for their health. We will demonstrate how one can use the Nutrient Research Model established by Dr. Robert Heaney to establish the effect of vitamin D serum levels of at least 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L) on risk reduction with different ethnicities in the population. Please let us know if you’re interested in helping sponsor this project.
CLICK HERE for updates and new information about the project.
Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your essential elements magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium, toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as your omega-3 levels, inflammation levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Find out your levels today! Log on to the test selection page (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your levels can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
Click Here to Access the Test Page
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth has created the Personal Health Nutrient Decision System called
For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
