by OmegaQuant
In November, the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) issued a formal statement underscoring the importance of measuring omega-3 blood levels—particularly EPA and DHA—in clinical research. The announcement, published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), represents Statement No. 6 in ISSFAL’s series of authoritative guidelines.
Why This Statement Matters
For years, omega-3 research has produced mixed results. One reason? Many studies did not account for participants’ baseline omega-3 status or whether supplementation effectively raised their blood levels.
Peter Clough, ISSFAL’s Honorary Secretary, explained that individual differences in fatty acid status can profoundly influence study outcomes. Without measuring omega-3 levels, researchers risk drawing incomplete or conflicting conclusions about supplementation benefits.
Key ISSFAL Recommendations
According to the new statement, best practice in omega-3 research should include:
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Measuring omega-3 status at baseline and post-intervention.
This ensures supplementation doses are sufficient and uptake is verified. -
Investigating how omega-3 status affects study outcomes.
Outcomes should be interpreted alongside participants’ blood levels, not just intake. -
Reporting full fatty acid profiles in publications.
This offers a clearer picture of how omega-3 interacts with the broader lipid environment.
By setting these standards, ISSFAL aims to improve the consistency and reliability of omega-3 research.
Why Blood Testing Is Superior to Intake Estimates
Simply tracking dietary intake of fish or supplements isn’t enough to assess omega-3 status. Absorption and tissue incorporation vary significantly between individuals due to genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.
That’s why blood-based testing—like the Omega-3 Index—is critical. This test measures EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Levels between 8–12% are considered optimal for supporting heart, brain, eye, and joint health.
Expert Perspective: Omega-3 Index as a Standard of Care
Dr. William S. Harris, co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index, applauds ISSFAL’s decision:
“Our ultimate goal from the very beginning was to substantiate the Omega-3 Index, so that it would eventually become the standard of care like a cholesterol test. I think we are closer than ever to achieving this with the support of ISSFAL’s new statement.”
Dr. Harris emphasized that Omega-3 Index testing should not be limited to research—it has real-world value for healthcare providers and individuals seeking to improve their long-term health.
Why Everyone Should Know Their Omega-3 Index
The reality is that most people worldwide fall below the 8% threshold, particularly in regions where fish consumption is low. Low omega-3 status has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, eye problems, and complications during pregnancy.
Testing provides a simple, reliable way to:
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Establish your baseline omega-3 status.
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Track progress after dietary or supplement changes.
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Personalize intake goals to achieve optimal levels.
Final Thoughts
With ISSFAL’s endorsement, the importance of measuring omega-3 blood levels is no longer just a research standard—it’s a step toward integrating the Omega-3 Index into routine clinical practice worldwide.
As Dr. Harris concluded, “Everyone should have access to this safe, simple, convenient test, especially since it can be tied to several important health outcomes.”