Индекс омега-3

The Omega-3 Index test (also referred to as the Omega-3-Index or n-3 fatty acid biomarker) quantifies the combined proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in erythrocyte membranes. It is used to stratify cardiovascular risk, particularly for malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, to identify omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, and to monitor omega-3 intake during dietary modification, prescription therapy, or supplement use.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients that the body does not synthesize. They exhibit cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, and antiarrhythmic properties and participate in cell growth and division, digestion, hemostasis, brain function, and cellular transport. The principal omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Insufficient omega-3 intake is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, notably sudden cardiac death. The Omega-3 Index is defined as the sum of the percentage of EPA and DHA in erythrocyte membranes and serves as an indicator of cardiovascular risk and its complications. Blood omega-3 concentrations correlate directly with dietary EPA and DHA intake. In observational data, consumption of fish even 1 time per week is associated with a 15% reduction in coronary heart disease risk, and intake more than 5 times per week is associated with a 40% reduction. Major dietary sources of EPA and DHA include the fat of certain fish species (for example, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring) and brown algae. ALA is present in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and vegetable oils and is converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts. Maintaining optimal omega-3 fatty acid status supports prevention strategies for atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. The Omega-3 Index—expressed as the EPA+DHA percentage of total fatty acids in erythrocytes—may be interpreted as a marker, and potentially a risk factor, for ischemic heart disease, especially fatal arrhythmias.