New Blood Test to Measure Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Help Evaluate Cardiovascular Risks

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Oct 2023

Image: Researchers have developed a new test to measure omega-3 fatty acids in blood (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

The human body can produce many of the fats it requires, but omega-3 fatty acids must come from our diet. These essential fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, are mainly found in sources like fish, seafood, and certain enriched foods and supplements. A deficiency in these fatty acids can increase cardiovascular risks and is linked to issues like inflammation, mental decline, depression, and problems in fetal brain development and premature births. Currently, assessing omega-3 levels in the blood is challenging and involves an invasive blood test. Now, researchers have come up with a more convenient method to monitor these crucial fatty acids in the blood, making it easier to collect vital health data related to cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Researchers at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, Canada) have identified a new biomarker for the Omega-3 Index (O3I) which makes it simpler to study the role of omega-3 fatty acid nutrition for overall public health, including among at-risk populations. Traditional methods for assessing O3I have involved drawing significant amounts of blood and complex lab procedures, making it an uncommon practice among healthcare providers. This new technique could enable regular screening, assisting both doctors and patients in determining the appropriate level of supplementation.

Generally, an O3I lower than 4% signifies a greater risk for cardiovascular issues, while an O3I above 8% suggests a lower risk. Importantly, the O3I can be modified through dietary changes. In the study, subjects were administered between 3 to 5 grams of fish oil, EPA, or DHA supplements daily. The research team conducted lipid profiling to pinpoint specific O3I biomarkers from the hundreds of lipids that can be found in the blood. The researchers are also working on identifying a substitute biomarker for the O3I through a urine test, which would eliminate the need for blood draws altogether.

“Our test can be part of a routine blood test without any special requirements,” says lead author Philip Britz-McKibbin, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at McMaster. “By directly measuring only two specific biomarkers in a blood sample, we can rapidly assess the Omega-3 Index without time-consuming and costly sample workup protocols prior to analysis.”

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McMaster University