Think You’re Healthy? This Simple Omega-3 Test Could Save Your Life.

Updated: January 31, 2025

Omega 3 test

How Low Omega-3 Levels Leave You Vulnerable to Bone Loss, Heart Disease, Cognitive Decline, and Chronic Inflammation.

What if I told you there’s a silent threat lurking in your body—one that could be quietly paving the way for osteoporosis, memory loss, and even a sudden heart attack? And what’s worse, you’d have no way of knowing it’s there without a simple test. Scary, right?

Here’s the truth: studies1,2 show most Americans are dangerously low in Omega-3s, a critical nutrient your body needs to survive and thrive. Without it, your heart struggles, your brain slows down, and chronic inflammation takes hold—leading to problems you never saw coming.

And if you’re thinking, ‘But I eat healthy. I’m fine,’ think again. Studies3 show that even people who eat fish or take supplements can still be deficient. There’s only one way to know for sure. Take an Omega-3 test. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it could save your life. So let’s dive into the facts about Omega-3s, why they matter, and how this one test could change everything for you.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re essential. Your heart needs them. Your brain craves them. Your body can’t function properly without them.

There are three main types of Omega-3s:

  • EPA and DHA: These long-chain Omega-3s come from fish and seafood and are linked to the biggest health benefits—like reducing your risk of heart disease, improving brain function, and easing joint pain.
  • ALA: Found in plant-based foods like flaxseed and walnuts, ALA is converted into EPA and DHA in your body, but here’s the catch—it does so at a painfully low rate. So, relying on ALA alone? Not a good idea.
Omega 3 levels testing

Omega-3s are essential, meaning your body can’t produce them on its own. You have to get them from your diet or supplements. But here’s the problem: most diets are woefully lacking in these critical nutrients, especially EPA and DHA.

And without them? Your body can’t repair inflammation, your heart and brain lose key support, and you become vulnerable to a whole host of health issues—including heart disease, dementia, and even depression.

Signs of Low Omega-3 Levels

Your body has ways of telling you when something’s off. But when it comes to Omega-3 deficiency, the signs are often brushed aside or misdiagnosed as something else. Here are the key symptoms to look out for:

1. Brain Fog and Poor Memory

Struggling to stay focused or recall details? Omega-3s play a vital role in brain health. Without them, cognitive functions like memory and concentration take a hit.

2. Dry, Irritated Skin

Persistent dryness, redness, or irritation might not just be a skincare issue. Omega-3s help maintain your skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. A deficiency can leave your skin unprotected and prone to flare-ups.

3. Chronic Fatigue

Feeling constantly drained? Omega-3s support cellular energy production. Low levels can leave you feeling worn out, even after a good night’s sleep.

4. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Inflammation in the joints is a telltale sign of low Omega-3 levels. These fats help reduce inflammation, so a deficiency can leave your joints stiff and uncomfortable.

5. Cardiovascular Concerns

High triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, or an increased risk of heart disease? Omega-3s are essential for maintaining heart health, and a deficiency can quietly compromise it over time.

These symptoms are more than just inconvenient—they’re your body signaling that it’s missing something essential.

Most of these issues often get blamed on other causes, while what might actually be the real culprit—Omega-3 deficiency—goes unnoticed and untreated.

The good news? A simple Omega-3 test can show your levels and help you take the right steps to fix them.

Why Test Your Omega-3 Levels?

You wouldn’t guess your blood pressure or cholesterol levels—so why guess your Omega-3 levels? 

Here’s why you should take an at-home Omega-3 test. 

1. Deficiency Isn’t Always Obvious

Even if you eat fish or take supplements, your Omega-3 levels might still be too low. Factors like absorption, metabolism, and genetics4 all play a role. The only way to know for sure is through a test.

2. The Risks Are Too High to Ignore

Low Omega-3 levels are linked to serious health issues: heart disease, cognitive decline, chronic inflammation, and more. Without testing, you’re flying blind while these risks quietly grow.

3. Personalized Insights

Everyone’s body is different. A test provides a clear, personalized snapshot of your Omega-3 levels so you can adjust your diet or supplements accordingly—no guesswork, no assumptions.

4. Prevention Is Better Than Treatment

Catching a deficiency early gives you a chance to correct it before it leads to bigger problems. 

5. It’s Fast, Easy, and Accurate

An Omega-3 test is quick, painless, and can even be done at home with a simple finger prick. Within days, you’ll have a clear picture of where you stand and what steps to take next.

Omega-3s are too important to leave to chance. Testing gives you the data you need to make informed decisions about your health—and it’s easier than ever to get started.

Omega-3s are too important to leave to chance. Testing gives you the data you need to make informed decisions about your health—and it’s easier than ever to get started.

How to Improve Your Omega-3 Levels

If your Omega-3 levels are low, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix. The key is to focus on getting the right types of Omega-3s, in the right amounts, from the best sources. Here’s how:

1. Eat Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring are the gold standard for Omega-3s. Just two servings a week can provide a significant boost of EPA and DHA, the Omega-3s your body craves.

2. Supplement Wisely

Not a fan of fish? No problem. Omega-3 supplements—like fish oil or algae-based options for vegetarians—can help you reach optimal levels. Look for high-quality supplements that prioritize EPA and DHA over ALA.

3. Incorporate Plant-Based Omega-3s

Foods like flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and canola oil are great sources of ALA, a plant-based Omega-3. While ALA isn’t as effective as EPA and DHA, it’s still worth including in your diet.

4. Fortified Foods

Some foods, like certain eggs, milk, or juices, are fortified with Omega-3s. These can be an easy way to add a little extra to your daily intake.

5. Test, Adjust, Repeat

Remember, everyone absorbs and uses Omega-3s differently. That’s why testing is so important. Once you know your levels, you can tailor your intake to hit the optimal range (8–12%) for maximum health benefits.

The Long-Term Benefits of Increasing Your Omega-3 Levels

Getting your Omega-3 levels up isn’t just about feeling better today—it’s about safeguarding your future. When your body finally gets the Omega-3s it’s been starving for, the benefits aren’t just noticeable—they’re life-changing. Here’s what you can expect:

A Stronger Heart

Optimized Omega-3 levels reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart function. Studies5 show that higher Omega-3 levels are linked to a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Sharper Brain Function

Omega-3s are a critical building block for the brain. Maintaining healthy levels can improve memory, focus, and mental clarity while reducing the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease6.

Reduced Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, from arthritis to diabetes. Omega-3s act as natural anti-inflammatories, helping to ease joint pain, improve mobility, and protect against inflammatory-related conditions7.

Better Emotional Health

Low Omega-3 levels are linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. By restoring optimal levels, you may experience improved emotional balance and overall mental well-being8.

Healthier Skin and Hair

Omega-3s nourish your skin from the inside out, improving hydration and reducing irritation. They also strengthen hair, reducing thinning and promoting healthy growth.

A Longer, Healthier Life

A study9 published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly lower risk of mortality. Specifically, those with elevated omega-3 levels lived, on average, nearly five years longer than those with lower levels.

What is the Omega-3 Test?

The Omega-3 test measures EPA and DHA levels in your red blood cells. A healthy range is 8%-12%, which supports your heart, brain, eyes, joints, and bones. Once you know your results, you can adjust your diet and improve your Omega-3 levels in just 3-4 months.

How It Works

1. COLLECT SAMPLE

Follow the simple instructions in your test kit

2. MAIL SAMPLE

Put the sample in the return envelope and drop it in the mail.

3. GET RESULTS

In 2-4 weeks you get your personalized results.

4. MODIFY DIET

Use recommendations & doctor’s guidance to modify diet.

Most people discover their levels are far below where they should be. But the good news? That’s fixable.

Omega 3 test progress

The Best Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement

Unlike standard fish oils, Triple Power Fish Oil from AlgaeCal is formulated as an emulsion, making it up to 300% more absorbable. That means you’re getting 300% more Omega-3s than you would if you just took a regular fish oil supplement. 

Plus, there’s no fishy burps. In fact, it’s flavored with natural mangos. Seriously! It tastes like you’re biting into a fresh mango. 

And the best part? It comes with a triple guarantee. 

  • The best-tasting fish oil you’ve ever had –– or your money back.
  • Zero fishy burps — or your money back. 
  • Improved Omega-3 levels in 90 days — or your money back.

Here’s the reality: you can’t fix what you can’t measure. The Omega-3 Index Test tells you where you stand. AlgaeCal Triple Power Fish Oil helps you close the gap—quickly and effectively.

Triple Power Fish Oil

FAQs

What happens if your Omega-3 levels are low?

Low Omega-3 levels can lead to increased inflammation, a higher risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, joint pain, dry skin, and fatigue. Your body depends on Omega-3s for heart, brain, and overall health, so deficiencies can significantly impact your well-being.

How do I increase my Omega-3 level?

Incorporate fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines into your diet, or take a high-quality Omega-3 supplement like AlgaeCal Triple Power. Aim for supplements with high levels of EPA and DHA for maximum benefits.

How long does it take to improve your Omega-3 levels?

You can see measurable improvements in your Omega-3 levels within 90 days when taking a quality supplement consistently or eating Omega-3-rich foods regularly.

Article Sources

  1. Papanikolaou Y, Brooks J, Reider C, Fulgoni VL 3rd. U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003-2008. Nutr J. 2014 Apr 2;13:31. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-31. Erratum in: Nutr J. 2014;13:64.
  2. Thompson M, Hein N, Hanson C, Smith LM, Anderson-Berry A, Richter CK, Stessy Bisselou K, Kusi Appiah A, Kris-Etherton P, Skulas-Ray AC, Nordgren TM. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake by Age, Gender, and Pregnancy Status in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003⁻2014. Nutrients. 2019 Jan 15;11(1):177. doi: 10.3390/nu11010177.
  3. Papanikolaou Y, Brooks J, Reider C, Fulgoni VL 3rd. U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003-2008. Nutr J. 2014 Apr 2;13:31. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-31. Erratum in: Nutr J. 2014;13:64.
  4. Francis M, Li C, Sun Y, Zhou J, Li X, Brenna JT, et al. (2021) Genome-wide association study of fish oil supplementation on lipid traits in 81,246 individuals reveals new gene-diet interaction loci. PLoS Genet 17(3): e1009431.
  5. Aung T, Halsey J, Kromhout D, et al. Associations of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement Use With Cardiovascular Disease Risks: Meta-analysis of 10 Trials Involving 77 917 Individuals. JAMA Cardiol. 2018;3(3):225–233. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2017.5205
  6. The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers Wei, Bao-Zhen et al. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 117, Issue 6, 1096 - 1109
  7. Lorente-Cebrián, S., Costa, A.G.V., Navas-Carretero, S. et al. An update on the role of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory and degenerative diseases. J Physiol Biochem 71, 341–349 (2015)
  8. Tan ZS, Harris WS, Beiser AS, Au R, Himali JJ, Debette S, Pikula A, Decarli C, Wolf PA, Vasan RS, Robins SJ, Seshadri S. Red blood cell ω-3 fatty acid levels and markers of accelerated brain aging. Neurology. 2012 Feb 28;78(9):658-64.
  9. Michael I McBurney, Nathan L Tintle, Ramachandran S Vasan, Aleix Sala-Vila, William S Harris. Using an erythrocyte fatty acid fingerprint to predict risk of all-cause mortality: the Framingham Offspring Cohort. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2021

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This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Emma Gasinski
PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,