What is an optimal Omega-3 Index level?
The short answer
An optimal Omega-3 Index level is 8–12 %. That is Dr. Bill Harris's number. You can watch them say it below.
Most labs call Omega-3 Index low only under 4. So your report can come back normal at 6 while you sit under the line they draw.
“we think and what we call the omega-3 index which is EPA plus DHA in red cell membranes our target is 8 to 12 percent just that's a range we think is the healthy range average American is around 5% maybe four or five percent”
Where a number lands, and who said so
- under 4 % Most labs flag this as low
- 4–8 % Normal on most reports. Below optimal
- 8–12 % The range Dr. Bill Harris draws Dr. Bill Harris · 1:23:04 →
- over 12 % Above optimal
What Omega-3 Index measures
The share of the fat in your red blood cell membranes made up of the two main omega-three fats.
Membranes take months to turn over. So it reflects months of eating, not one week.
One of the doctors we cite, on why it matters
“he looked at the Omega-3 Index, and people that had a Omega-3 Index of 4% or lower, so close to what the standard American is but a little bit lower, they had a five-year decreased life expectancy compared to people that had an 8% Omega-3 Index.”
Common questions
What is an optimal Omega-3 Index level?
8–12 %, according to Dr. Bill Harris.
What is a normal Omega-3 Index level?
Most US labs print 4–8 %. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your Omega-3 Index number mean?
Under 4 %, your report marks it low. Between 4 and 8 it prints as normal. Over 8, your report marks it high. Where the people we follow draw their own line is above.
Is Omega-3 Index of 6 normal?
Your lab will call it normal. Dr. Bill Harris puts the floor at 8 %, so by that number it is low.
What does the Omega-3 Index test measure?
The share of the fat in your red blood cell membranes made up of the two main omega-three fats. Membranes take months to turn over. So it reflects months of eating, not one week.
Where does this number come from?
Dr. Bill Harris, on video. The link above jumps straight to that minute.