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Omega-3 Index Optimization

Supplementation / Nutrition · easy · 1 min/day (taking supplement with meal)

What is Omega-3 Index Optimization?

The Omega-3 Index measures EPA+DHA as a percentage of total red blood cell fatty acids. An index of 8-12% is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, better brain function, and lower all-cause mortality. Most Western adults are at 4-5%. Getting to 8% requires 1000-1500 mg/day of EPA+DHA in triglyceride form for 12+ weeks. This is one of the most measurable, dose-responsive longevity interventions.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEstrong — Omega-3 Index >8% associated with significantly lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality; dose-response well-characterized in meta-analyses; 1900 mg/day needed for 90% of population to reach 8%

How do you do Omega-3 Index Optimization?

  1. 1.Get your Omega-3 Index tested (finger-prick blood test, ~$50); target 8-12%
  2. 2.Supplement 1000-1500 mg/day combined EPA+DHA in triglyceride (TG) or re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form — not ethyl ester
  3. 3.Take with your largest meal of the day containing fat — absorption is significantly higher with dietary fat
  4. 4.If starting from a very low baseline (2-4%), use 2000-2200 mg/day for the first 3 months to reach target faster
  5. 5.Retest at 3-4 months; as a rule of thumb, 1000 mg/day moves the index 1-2 percentage points in 3-4 months

How long does it take?

1 min/day (taking supplement with meal).

Is it hard to start?

easy.

Source: PMC9892774; GrassrootsHealth dosing study; VitaLibrary Omega-3 Index review
supplementation · omega-3 · EPA · DHA · biomarkers · cardiovascular · anti-inflammatory
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