The Omega-3 Index and Heart Disease Risk

A recent study published in the July 2004 issue of Preventive Medicine investigated the usefulness of the Omega-3 Index for assessing deficiencies of Omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease risk. Omega-3's are considered "essential" which means they are necessary for human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Low levels of omega-3 oils are implicated in numerous diseases and considered a significant risk factor for heart disease. The investigators report that the requirements for omega-3 fatty acids, (typically obtained from fish or fish oil supplements) may vary from person to person, and they suggest that deficiencies are possible even in people who routinely consume fish or fish oil. These findings indicate that the Omega-3 Index is a useful tool in assessing risk and can assist healthcare practitioners in determining appropriate omega-3 intakes for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.