HS Omega-3 Index

To obtain an assessment of the individual supply of omega-3 fatty acids over the past weeks, the long-term parameter HS-Omega-3 Index (HS = high sensitivity) is suitable without exception. With this parameter, the fatty acid supply of the last 8-12 weeks can be assessed. Fatty acids are integrated into the cell membrane of all body cells – consisting of phospholipid bilayers – in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby the fatty acid distribution in the membranes of different tissues varies. The measurement of marine omega-3 fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane (membrane of red blood cells) has been found to be representative.The concentration-dependent incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into the cell membrane represents a long-term parameter of marine omega-3 fatty acid supply with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) due to slow incorporation and removal kinetics. Thus, the level of the HS omega-3 index depends essentially on the duration and the level of serum EPA and DHA. The higher the serum level for EPA and DHA in the long term, the:

  • Higher the percentage of these fatty acids in the cell membrane.
  • Better is the cell protection
  • The more effective are the preventive effects of EPA and DHA and
  • The higher ultimately turns out the HS Omega-3 index.

Using serum levels for fatty acid analysis is completely unsuitable as a biomarker because they follow food-dependent fluctuations too quickly.

The procedure

Material needed

  • EDTA blood (2 ml)

Preparation of the patient

  • Not required

Disruptive factors

  • “False” high values of HS omega-3 index due to:
    • Excessive substitution of EPA and DHA by dietary supplements.
  • “Falsely” low levels of HS omega-3 index by:
    • Incorrect use of sample dilutions instead of standardized EDTA tubes.
    • Higher erythrocyte turnover (turnover)
    • Chronic renal insufficiency (kidney weakness; process leading to a slowly progressive reduction in kidney function) with shortened red cell survival
    • Hemolytic anemia (form of anemia in which the erythrocytes (red blood cells) are destroyed).
    • Liver cirrhosis (liver shrinkage; irreversible (not reversible) damage to the liver and a pronounced remodeling of liver tissue) with shortened erythrocyte survival.
    • After blood transfusions

Standard values

Optimal range 8-11 %
Reduced range 6-8 %
Critical range < 6 %

Determination method used: patent pending

Indications

  • Long-term monitoring of fatty acid supply and intake of EPA and DHA.
  • Individuals with medical conditions
  • Individuals at increased risk for
  • Women before or during pregnancy

HS-Omega-3 index should be checked at the following intervals:

  • After substitution of EPA and DHA by fatty sea fish or supplements, a follow-up determination of the HS-Omega-3 Index should be made after 8-12 weeks.
  • When the target value of 8-11% is reached, annual checks are sufficient if the intake of EPA and DHA remains unchanged.

Interpretation

Interpretation of increased values

  • If the HS omega-3 index is above 11%, the intake of the supplement should be reduced.

Interpretation of lowered values

  • If the HS Omega-3 Index is below 8%, there is an insufficient food supply and / or a genetically reduced absorption capacity of EPA and DHA and / or a dietary error and / or a vegan diet.

Notes

  • Therapy
    • If the HS omega-3 index is less than 8%, nutritional counseling should be given regarding increasing the consumption of fatty sea fish and/or advice should be given regarding the use of an adequate dietary supplement.For this purpose, fish oil from wild-caught fish, krill oil and algae preparations are suitable, whereby special attention should be paid to the proportion of EPA and DHA as currently the only proven preventively effective omega-3 fatty acids.
  • The HS Omega-3 Index meets all criteria for biomarkers of cardiovascular risk of the US Preventive Service Task Force and American Heart Assossiation.