Omega-3 index
Measures the share of omega-3 fats (EPA + DHA) in your red blood cells - a read on your intake over the past few months.
TypeBlood test
HowFinger-prick blood spot, often at home.
How oftenOnce, then 3–4 months after changing diet or supplements.
BeforeNo fasting needed.
WhoPeople curious about their omega-3 intake or supplement dose.
What you eat — measured in your cells
The omega-3 index measures EPA and DHA in your red blood cells. It reflects your intake over about three months, so it shows whether your diet or fish oil is actually getting in.
Diet
“Is my fish intake enough?”
Oily fish twice a week is the usual goal.
Intake
Supplements
“Is my dose working?”
People absorb differently - the index shows your result.
Check
Retest
“Has it changed?”
Recheck 3–4 months after a change.
Track
Is it right for you?
How it’s measured
Finger-prick kit
Blood spot mailed to a lab.
The full picture
What is it?
The percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes.
What type of test is it?
A blood biomarker.
What does it measure?
EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids.
Why might someone consider it?
It reflects long-term omega-3 intake.
Who is it most relevant for?
People curious about intake or supplement dose.
How is it performed?
A finger-prick blood spot.
How often might it be considered?
Every 3–4 months when adjusting intake.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether your intake is low, moderate or high.
What are its limitations?
Evidence linking it to outcomes is mainly observational.
What should it be viewed with?
Diet, triglycerides and ApoB.
Where to get it
Through your provider
The simplest route - often covered when there’s a clear reason.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Direct-to-consumer panels
e.g. Function Health, InsideTracker.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Is omega-3 testing useful for me?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Omega-3 index result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Omega-3 index result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test