A new blood test that measures the level of omega 3 fatty acids in red blood cells has been introduced to the public as a consumer-friendly, at-home “finger stick” test.

While scientists have long known of the benefits of fish and fish oil for overall heart health, over the past decade research has proven the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish dramatically reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, recent research indicates that omega 3 levels may be among the best predictors of future coronary heart disease—providing much stronger correlations to the risk of sudden cardiac death than traditional indicators, including HDL and LDL cholesterol.

The Gene Smart Omega 3 Index—from Winston-Salem, NC-based Gene Smart Wellness—measures the amount of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes and is expressed as the percent of total fatty acids. The results of the test are represented as a score that a significant body of research indicates may be an independent predictor of heart disease—with a score of 4% or less indicating a high risk, and a score of 8% or more indicating a relatively low risk.

“The research suggests that the levels of omega 3 fatty acids should be routinely measured, especially in vulnerable populations such as those at risk of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases,” said Floyd Chilton, PhD, a pioneer in inflammatory disease and omega 3 research and a professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “This test is the most convenient, affordable and effective way to measure omega 3 levels.”

However, very recent studies suggest that individuals have varying capacities to metabolize omega 3s. “So even if a person eats fish or takes fish oil supplements, they may not be getting enough,” Dr. Chilton added. “It is important to measure omega 3 levels, so individuals can determine whether their dietary intake of this important nutrient needs to be adjusted.”

In introducing its Omega 3 Index, Gene Smart has partnered with William Harris, PhD, a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Basic Biomedical Sciences at the Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota and co-author on the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Advisory on Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

The Gene Smart Omega 3 Index uses Dr. Harris’s proprietary HS-Omega 3 Index methodology, which was used in clinical studies that validated the correlation between the Omega 3 Index and heart disease risk.

“The strength of the association between omega 3s and heart disease is really quite remarkable,” said Dr. Harris. “And the benefits of having a high Omega 3 Index, in the 8 to 10% range, speak for themselves. Individuals with a high Index have a decrease in the relative risk for sudden cardiac death by as much as 90%.”

In addition to measuring the amount of omega-3s in the bloodstream, the new Gene Smart blood test provides a measure of a person’s omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

Dr. Chilton’s latest research in nutrient/gene interactions, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, demonstrated that shifting ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 from greater than 15:1 to less than 5:1 in humans can positively influence genes that provide protection against allergies and other inflammatory diseases.