EPA + DPA + DHA (Omega-3 Index)

Lipids marker

EPA+DPA+DHA

EPA + DPA + DHA (Omega-3 Index)

Category: Lipids
Unit: % by wt

The combined percentage of the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA, and DHA in red blood cells, essentially the Omega-3 Index. It is the best-validated single measure of long-term marine omega-3 status and a recognised cardiovascular risk marker.

PED Notes

This is the marker that matters most on an omega panel. The Omega-3 Index (red-cell EPA+DHA, often reported with DPA added) has robust outcome data: below about 4% is a high-risk zone for death from coronary heart disease, and 8% or above is the low-risk, cardioprotective target. It reflects months of intake, not the last meal, so it is a stable measure of habitual status. For AAS users, whose cardiovascular risk is elevated by adverse lipid changes, blood-pressure rises, and erythrocytosis, getting the Omega-3 Index into the 8%+ range is one of the clearest, cheapest, evidence-based protective moves available. It rises steadily with EPA/DHA intake, so it is easy to act on and re-measure. Values are matrix and method dependent, but the index is specifically standardised to red cells.

When low

When the Omega-3 Index is low (below 8%, and especially below 4%):

Supplements and diet:

  • Fish oil (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g combined EPA+DHA per day with a fat-containing meal; higher intakes (up to ~4g) raise the index faster in those starting low
  • Oily fish -- 2-3 servings/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
  • Algal oil -- a vegan EPA/DHA source
  • The index responds slowly (red-cell turnover), so recheck after ~3-4 months rather than weeks

Pharmacological option (when triglycerides are also elevated):

  • Icosapent ethyl (purified EPA) -- 2g twice daily, prescription; raises omega-3 status and lowers triglycerides with cardiovascular outcome data; a reasonable option for AAS users with high triglycerides under physician oversight

Target: move red-cell EPA+DHA to 8% or above for cardioprotection.

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

8 - 12 % by wt

VitalMetrics Range

8 - 12 % by wt

Statistics