The Omega-3 Index

Modern diets often result in an excess of omega-6 fatty acids in the body, which is thought to contribute to inflammation and various adverse health effects. Increasing our intake of omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, can help restore balance and enhance overall health. Let’s take a look at the importance of omega-3s such as krill oil, why we need omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, and how the Omega-3 Index is something we all need to know about.

Omega-3s are powerhouse nutrients for overall health. They are well studied for their heart health support such as healthy blood pressure, triglycerides, 'good' cholesterol (HDL), circulation and heart rhythm. In addition to heart health, omega-3s help support the joints, brain, skin, eyes, and much more.

EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acid) are regarded as some of the most important omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies cannot produce these essential fatty acids on its own, therefore, we need to obtain them from our diets. The most effective way to do this is to eat fatty fish such as trout, salmon, or mackerel, or take a marine source supplement, such as krill oil.

Krill oil is a multi-nutrient that is it naturally made up of high-quality omega-3 EPA & DHA, choline and an antioxidant called astaxanthin, but the real magic of krill oil is linked to its phospholipid advantage, which is how the body recognizes and absorbs these nutrients. Kori Krill Oil’s omega-3 nutrients are delivered in their most natural phospholipid form for superior absorption, supporting whole body health in addition to healthy cognitive function, heart, joint, eye, immune, and skin health.

There is no question that krill oil effectively boosts our omega-3 levels and the scientific evidence supporting this continues to expand. To date, there are more than 50+ human clinical studies on Kori’s krill oil, encompassing human, in vitro, and in vivo research, highlighting its numerous health benefits.

Now that we understand the importance of omega-3s for our health, let’s focus on deficiency issues. The World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA, roughly equivalent to two servings of fatty fish per week. Sounds simple, right? Well, it may not be that straightforward for everyone.

Despite all the health benefits and important education around omega-3s, most of the global population is still deficient in these important nutrients, and this can be the result of many reasons—access to fresh fish, religious beliefs, family preferences, lifestyle choices like veganism or vegetarianism, or simply not consuming fish regularly.

In fact, approximately 97% of the global population has insufficient levels of omega-3 (EPA and DHA), with particularly low levels found in North America, Central Europe, and various regions of Asia, suggesting inadequate dietary intake.

When researchers examine the effects of omega-3 on human health, they frequently refer to the Omega-3 Index, a test that measures the levels of EPA and DHA in the membranes of red blood cells.

In many respects, the Omega-3 Index test is like a cholesterol test. Both assessments measure the levels of specific compounds in the blood that are recognized as risk factors for major chronic conditions, such as heart disease.

The Omega-3 Index test is a great first step at finding out where your omega-3 levels stand. You simply collect one drop of blood on specially treated filter paper that is sent to a laboratory for analysis. It measures the levels of EPA and DHA in the membranes of red blood cells, expressed as a percentage.

An optimal Omega-3 Index range is 8% to 12%, but most of the global population averages around 4%, which is considered omega-3 deficiency. Omega-3 deficiency is linked to several significant chronic conditions and is even associated with higher risk for sudden cardiac death. Some experts have even suggested that low omega-3 levels represent a public health concern comparable to vitamin D deficiency, highlighting the urgent need to ensure these nutrients are accessible to as many people as possible.

Overall, the Omega-3 Index serves as a useful biomarker for assessing omega-3 status and its potential impact on health outcomes. And, Kori’s krill oil is a clinically proven source to raise omega-3 index levels in as little as 30 days.

Most of the global population is omega-3 deficient and 90% of Americans don’t eat 2 healthy fish servings per week recommended by the USDA for Omega-3s. Fortunately, achieving omega-3 intake balance is possible for consumers around the globe. By taking a daily supplement, like krill oil, you can increase your Omega-3 Index levels. One serving of Kori Krill Oil Multi-Benefit Omega-3 provides 250 mg of Omega-3 EPA & DHA nutrients, as much as USDA's weekly recommendation. Finally, by understanding and monitoring your Omega-3 Index, and finding ways to close the gap on your numbers, you can take control of your overall health and lessen your risk of chronic conditions.