Omega-3 Index: Know Your Number
At-home finger-prick • Prepaid return • Clear lab report
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At-home samplingSimple finger-prick sample, done in minutes.
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Lab-validated resultsAnalyzed by Omegametrix® in Germany.
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Easy-to-understand reportClear score + what it means.
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Track progress over timeRetest after consistent omega-3 use.
What is the Omega-3 Index?
The Omega-3 Index is a measure of two key marine omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in your red blood cell membranes. Think of it as your body's omega-3 status score. It's a practical way to understand whether your current diet and supplementation are actually increasing these important fatty acids in your body.
Target range: many experts consider 8–12% an optimal Omega-3 Index range.
Why your Omega-3 Index matters
Cardiovascular system
EPA and DHA have been scientifically evaluated by EFSA for their role in maintaining normal cardiac function. Their presence in cell membranes influences membrane fluidity and signaling processes that are relevant for heart health. EFSA has concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between the consumption of EPA and DHA and the maintenance of normal heart function.
In addition, EPA and DHA have been assessed for their contribution to maintaining normal blood triglyceride concentrations and normal blood pressure at specific intake levels, both of which are important markers of cardiovascular health .
Brain and nervous system
DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and nervous system and is naturally present in high concentrations in neuronal cell membranes. EFSA has confirmed that DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function in the general population. This reflects its role in maintaining normal membrane structure and function in brain cells.
Because DHA is incorporated into brain tissue over time, the Omega-3 Index provides an indirect but meaningful indication of long-term DHA availability to the nervous system.
Vision and eye health
DHA is also a key structural component of the retina. EFSA has positively evaluated claims that DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. This is based on its role in retinal cell membranes, particularly in photoreceptor cells that are essential for visual function.
A higher Omega-3 Index reflects greater incorporation of DHA into red blood cell membranes, which correlates with DHA availability to other tissues, including the eyes.
Cell membrane structure and function
EPA and DHA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that contribute to normal membrane cell structure. EFSA recognizes that these fatty acids play a structural role in cell membranes, influencing their flexibility and function across many tissues.
Because the Omega-3 Index measures EPA and DHA specifically in red blood cell membranes, it is considered a stable marker of how consistently these fatty acids are incorporated into cells throughout the body.
Pregnancy, infancy, and development
EFSA has also evaluated DHA in the context of cognitive and visual development of the unborn child and breastfed infant, confirming its importance when supplied through maternal intake . While these claims apply to specific life stages, they further illustrate the fundamental role of DHA in brain and eye tissue.
Why the Omega-3 Index brings this together
Dietary intake alone does not guarantee incorporation into cells. The Omega-3 Index helps bridge that gap by showing whether EPA and DHA are actually present in cell membranes at meaningful levels. Rather than relying on assumptions, it provides a practical way to understand how omega-3 intake translates into measurable biological presence across systems such as the heart, brain, eyes, and cellular membranes.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.
How the Omega-3 Index Home Test works
Order your kit
Delivered with everything you need and clear instructions.
Take a small finger-prick sample
A quick drop of blood on the collection card.
Mail it back (prepaid)
Send it to the lab using the included return envelope.
Receive your report
Get your Omega-3 Index result with a clear explanation of what it means.
What's included
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Finger-prick lancet + collection card
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Step-by-step instructions
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Prepaid return envelope
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Lab analysis + Omega-3 Index report
What your results tell you
Your report shows your Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA) and helps you understand whether your omega-3 intake is landing where it should. It turns "I think it's working" into "I know what my number is."
Frequently asked questions
Is the test difficult?
No. It uses a quick finger-prick sample and clear instructions.
How long does it take?
Sampling takes minutes. Lab processing and reporting depends on shipping and lab timelines.
Why test at all if I already take omega-3?
Because quality and absorption vary. Testing shows whether your omega-3 routine is changing biomarkers.
How often should I test?
Many people test once to establish a baseline and again after a consistent period (often 8–12 weeks).
Is this medical advice?
No. This test provides biomarker information. For medical guidance, consult a healthcare professional.
I’d been taking NFO® Omega-3 for about four months and tried a few formulations before finding the one that fit my routine best: NFO® Omega-3 Ultima. I took one capsule every morning after breakfast. When my Omega-3 Index results came back at 10%, right in the recommended 8–12% range, I was genuinely surprised. It was clear evidence that it was working.
