Why Knowing Your Omega-3 Index Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Health
You’ve probably heard that omega-3s are “good fats,” but did you know that tracking your Omega-3 Index can give you powerful insight into your overall health? While most people focus on cholesterol or blood pressure, the Omega-3 Index is an overlooked but critical marker that reveals the level of omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA—in your red blood cells. And yes, it's something you can actually test at home.
What Is the Omega-3 Index?
The Omega-3 Index is a simple measurement that tells you what percentage of your red blood cell membranes are made up of EPA and DHA—two essential omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and algae. A healthy Omega-3 Index is 8% or higher, but most Americans fall around 4% or less—a range linked to higher risk of heart disease, inflammation, cognitive decline, and more.
Why It Matters
Here’s what a healthy Omega-3 Index supports:
🧠 Brain Health – Omega-3s play a key role in memory, focus, and mood regulation. Low levels have been linked to mood disorders, depression, and cognitive decline.
❤️ Heart Health – Higher omega-3 levels are associated with lower risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular disease.
🔥 Inflammation Control – Omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help counteract the chronic inflammation driving many modern illnesses.
👁 Eye Health – DHA is essential for retinal structure and function, supporting lifelong vision.
🧬 Healthy Aging – Omega-3s help stabilize cell membranes and support graceful aging at the cellular level.
How to Test Your Omega-3 Levels
This is where the Omega-3 Index Plus Test shines.
It’s a simple, at-home blood test (or if you are a patient we will be happy to perform in our office) —just a finger prick, a drop of blood on a test card, mail it in, and within a few weeks you receive a personalized, in-depth report.
The test includes:
Your EPA + DHA percentage (your Omega-3 Index)
Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio
AA:EPA ratio (a key inflammation marker)
Trans fat levels
Individual EPA and DHA breakdown
Personalized strategies to improve your numbers
Easy. No lab. Just powerful, actionable data.
How to Improve Your Omega-3 Index
If your levels come back low, the good news is it’s totally within your control to improve. Here’s how:
1. Eat More Fatty Fish
Aim for wild-caught salmon, sardines, mackerel, or anchovies at least 2–3 times a week.
2. Supplement with Whole-Food Omega-3s
When food alone isn’t enough—or you're looking for therapeutic support—Standard Process offers several high-quality, whole-food-based omega-3 options:
Tuna Omega-3 Oil – A clean, sustainably sourced fish oil delivering natural EPA and DHA in triglyceride form for better absorption. Great for daily foundational support.
Cod Liver Oil – In addition to EPA and DHA, this also provides natural vitamin A and D—excellent for immune and bone support.
Olprima EPA/DHA – A more targeted option for those needing specific anti-inflammatory or cardiovascular support. Choose Olprima EPA for inflammatory conditions and Olprima DHA for cognitive or neural support.
All Standard Process products are rigorously tested for purity, potency, and sustainability—so you can trust what you’re putting into your body.
3. Reduce Omega-6 Overload
Eliminate processed vegetable oils (soybean, corn, canola, rapeseed) that throw your fatty acid balance out of whack. Instead, use olive oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed butter.
Final Thoughts
Your Omega-3 Index is a biomarker worth knowing. It gives you a clearer picture of your cellular health, heart risk, and inflammation levels than most standard labs ever will.
With the Omega-3 Index Plus Test, you can measure it easily and accurately from the comfort of home. And with support from Harding Holistics, you can take immediate steps to optimize it using whole-food-based nutrition you can trust.
One simple test. One powerful number. And the potential to protect your brain, heart, and cells for life.
