Omega Testing (Omega Check) in Houston, Texas

Omega testing, also known as the Omega Check or the Omega 3 and Omega 6 Ratio test, is a blood test that measures the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids play crucial roles in the body’s inflammatory processes and blood clotting mechanisms.

Primarily, omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known for their benefits in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, enhancing the effectiveness of depression medications, and lowering the risk of disorders like Alzheimer’s.

For optimal health benefits, a higher amount of Omega 3 relative to Omega 6 is considered ideal in the body’s total fatty acid composition. This balance supports heart health and can mitigate inflammation-related conditions, benefiting overall well-being.

The following information displays how we at NHC can go above and beyond the typical Omega Check numbers, covering other important markers related to fatty acid balance for optimal health.

• Total Omega 3 – Marine omega-3 supplementation is effective in lowering the risk for coronary and cardiovascular endpoints, including myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, total coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease death, and total cardiovascular disease. Stroke risk reduction is reduced through the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega 3.
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): An omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acid, it acts in metabolism as a precursor to platelet aggregation (sticky blood). EPA is found in marine lipids and can block enzyme conversions to arachidonic acid to reduce inflammation in cells of the body.
• DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid): DPA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) it is obtained from the diet or may be converted in small amounts from EPA found in fish. Though less well-known, DPA is implicated in cardiovascular health as an intermediate metabolite formed during the interconversion of EPA and DHA.
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): DHA Docosahexaenoic Acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is the major primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. It is a critical nutrient for the growth and functional development of the nervous system in the fetus and infants.
• Arachidonic Acid (AA): A polyunsaturated Omega 6 fatty acid compound in phospholipids, found abundantly in the brain, muscles, and liver.  Arachidonic acid a cell messenger is a key inflammatory mediator. Excess AA contributes to pain and inflammation in the body.
• Total Omega 6: Omega-6 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is excessive in Western diets and when processed becomes a trans fat that increases cellular oxidation or tissue damage. Who Is Suitable for Omega Testing?
• Linoleic Acid– is a polyunsaturated, omega-6 fatty acid. It occurs as a triglyceride in the blood rather than a free fatty acid, one of two essential fatty acids in metabolism.

Individuals suitable for Omega testing primarily include those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Particularly those individuals with elevated triglyceride levels, known as hypertriglyceridemia.

Additionally, people with a family history of heart disease, those experiencing inflammatory conditions, or individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders that omega-3 fatty acids may help alleviate, can benefit from this test.

Omega testing is also recommended for those wanting to monitor the effectiveness of dietary modifications or supplementation aimed at optimizing their omega-3 intake for health improvement purposes.

The interpretation of Omega test results involves analyzing the Omega Check values to assess an individual’s risk level for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Omega Check value reflects the percentage of certain omega-3 fatty acids by weight in the blood.

The table below outlines the associated CVD risk levels based on Omega Check value ranges.

These ranges are determined by dividing the population into quartiles based on Omega Check values and observing the corresponding CVD risks.

Those with Omega Check values of 5.5% or higher fall into the lowest risk quartile, indicating a relatively lower risk of cardiovascular events.

Conversely, individuals with values of 3.7% or less are in the highest risk quartile and have a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular issues.

Those with values between 3.8% and 5.4% exhibit a moderate risk and are generally placed in the second and third quartiles.

It’s essential for patients to discuss their specific Omega Check results with a healthcare provider to understand their individual risks and explore appropriate lifestyle modifications.

Below are the factors that can influence Omega Check results, particularly interventions that alter the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

• Food Consumption: Diets rich in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, which are high in EPA and DHA, can increase omega-3 levels in the blood. Plant-based sources of ALA, such as flaxseeds and walnuts, can also contribute, though the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is relatively inefficient.
• Dietary Supplements: Supplements containing EPA and DHA, like fish oil capsules, can significantly raise omega-3 fatty acid levels. Consistent intake of these supplements could reflect higher Omega Check values.
• Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Medications prescribed to lower triglyceride levels typically have concentrated doses of omega-3s and can markedly increase an individual’s Omega Check values.

Interventions that increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved cardiovascular health, indicated by low to moderate Omega Check risk levels.

These interventions can lead to decreased inflammation, reduced arterial plaque buildup, and lower triglyceride levels, all contributing to a healthier heart and circulatory system.

Regular monitoring through Omega Check testing can help track the efficacy of these interventions and guide further dietary or therapeutic adjustments.