What is the reference range for Omega-3 Index?

The standard reference range for Omega-3 Index is Typically reported as a percentage of total erythrocyte fatty acids; 8% desirable for cardiovascular health.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Omega-3 Index?

Omega-3 Index is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including ADHD Ultimate Panel.

Biomarker Reference · O3I

What does the Omega-3 Index test measure?

Omega-3 Index (O3I) is a clinical biomarker used in comprehensive-panels assessment. The Omega-3 Index quantifies eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a percentage of total red blood cell membrane fatty acids, reflecting long-term dietary intake and tissue incorporation. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Typically reported as a percentage of total erythrocyte fatty acids; <4% considered very low, 4–8% intermediate, >8% desirable for cardiovascular health.
Units: %
Measured In: 1 test
Category: —

Functional medicine optimal>8% is considered cardioprotective; some integrative sources suggest similar or higher targets for neuropsychiatric conditions, though ADHD-specific thresholds are not established.

What is Omega-3 Index?

The Omega-3 Index quantifies eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a percentage of total red blood cell membrane fatty acids, reflecting long-term dietary intake and tissue incorporation. EPA and DHA are structural components of neuronal membranes and precursors to anti-inflammatory mediators; DHA is especially concentrated in the brain and retina.

Why is Omega-3 Index measured?

Meta-analyses of omega-3 supplementation in ADHD show modest benefits, particularly for inattention, though effect sizes are small and inconsistent. The Omega-3 Index provides an objective measure of status that may help guide supplementation, but it is not diagnostic and does not predict treatment response in an individual.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Typically reported as a percentage of total erythrocyte fatty acids; <4% considered very low, 4–8% intermediate, >8% desirable for cardiovascular health.
Functional medicine optimal: >8% is considered cardioprotective; some integrative sources suggest similar or higher targets for neuropsychiatric conditions, though ADHD-specific thresholds are not established.
Units: %

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Omega-3 Index

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-CHP-021Comprehensive

ADHD Ultimate Panel

Omega-3 Index reference range in this test: Typically reported as a percentage of total erythrocyte fatty acids; <4% considered very low, 4–8% intermediate, >8% desirable for cardiovascular health.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Serum ZincZn1 test Serum MagnesiumMg1 test Serum CopperCu1 test Serum FerritinFerritin1 test 25-Hydroxyvitamin D25(OH)D2 tests HomocysteineHcy5 tests High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Proteinhs-CRP1 test Thyroid-Stimulating HormoneTSH1 test

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