Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a prominent role in physical health, but more and more studies show their importance in mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in various physiological functions linked to thought processing, and the brain’s response to inflammatory processes, and the development of new brain cells, and they play a critical role in brain development, process, and ageing.

Did you know?

The Brain Craves Healthy Omega-3 Fats. 

A deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to an increased risk of developing different types of mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Several variables influence your brain's health; however, studies have shown Omega-3s EPA and DHA are a massive driving force for maintaining brain health and functional development throughout our lives.

These fatty acids are also necessary for optimal brain function and long-term maintenance, playing a pivotal role in maintaining cell membrane health and allowing brain cells to communicate. Lower blood DHA levels have been linked to reduced brain size in elderly persons, indicating faster brain ageing. To avoid some of these negative impacts on brain function and development, it's clear that getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids is critical.

 Our Omega 3 Index Test not only can identify variables that impact low mood but also determine if you are consuming enough Omega 3 essential fatty acids so that you can help optimise your brain's health.

 What we measure

• Omega-3 Index

 The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in your blood, specifically the red blood cell membrane. Membranes, or cell walls, are made of different kinds of fats called fatty acids. We have found that having a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the membrane tracks with how much omega-3 is in your diet and is a marker of better health.

• Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio

The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (also written “n-6/n-3”) analyzes 7 omega-6 fatty acids and 4 omega-3 fatty acids. The total amount of omega-6s and omega-3s are divided by each other to get a ratio. We recommend a ratio of 3-5:1 (omega-6:omega-3).

• AA:EPA Ratio

The AA/EPA ratio is your level of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, vs. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. These are important fatty acids in metabolism because powerful signaling molecules can be made from them. These molecules can affect anything from blood clotting to birth contractions to inflammatory responses. Having different levels of these two fatty acids could affect processes that ultimately impact inflammation and overall health.

• Trans Fat Index

The Trans Fat Index measures the trans fats from industrial production and should be below 1%. Eating foods with trans fats made from hydrogenated oils increases the risk for heart attacks. For years, trans fats were used to make all kinds of processed foods. But because of their effect on heart health, trans fats were deemed unsafe for human consumption and are being removed from food supply chains all over the world.

• Individual Fatty Acid Level

Optimise Your Healthy Fats Levels in 3 Easy Steps

1. Measure

You won’t know if your fatty acid status just by tracking your diet — it must be measured.

2. Modify

Once you know your status, it can be optimised with simple dietary changes.

3. Monitor

Testing your fatty acid every 3 to 4 months will ensure that your levels stay optimal.

 Order: Choose the test service you would like. The sample collection kit typically arrives in 3 to 5 days.

Collect Sample: Follow the simple kit instructions to collect your blood sample from the comfort of home. Once you collect your sample, mail it back to our lab using the pre-paid envelope.

Get Results: In 2-4 weeks you will receive an email letting you know your personalised results are ready. You'll also get detailed advice with easy-to-understand graphics for your food, exercise, sleep, supplements, and much more. Take action and track your progress to take your health to new heights.