(EPA%+DHA%) / (Sum of all fatty acids measured in the blood)
Omega-3 Index is the sum of EPA % and DHA % as measured in whole blood, and derived by validated calculations to yield the equivalent sum of EPA % and DHA % in red blood cell membranes. Please note this value is a percentage, with the denominator being the sum of all Fatty Acids measured in the blood, and thus the index can vary based on fatty acid composition of the diet.
If the omega 3 index is low, then the overall sum of fatty acids is greater than the normal levels of total omega 3s.
A decrease in the ratio can be caused by
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a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids and incorporation of those fatty acids into cell membranes
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a proportionally high intake of other dietary fatty acids (saturated fatty acids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids and omega-6’s poly unsaturated fatty acids)
