OmegaQuant, an independent, CLIA-certified lab that offers Omega-3 Index testing, has earned a spot on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, which features the fastest-growing private companies in America. Growing 177% in a three-year period, OmegaQuant offers evidence-based nutritional status tests to researchers, health practitioners, and consumers, with a focus on fatty acids.
 
William S. Harris, PhD, founded OmegaQuant in 2009 to commercialize the Omega-3 Index Test, which measures the amount of omega-3s EPA and DHA in the blood. Over the last decade, the company has grown considerably, adding more fatty acid tests to its portfolio, including its latest product, The Prenatal DHA Test.
 
Harris has been researching fatty acids for more than 30 years and to date has published more than 300 papers on these nutrients. He co-invented the Omega-3 Index in 2004 as an objective way to measure the intake of omega-3s in the diet, which are found in fatty fish like salmon and omega-3 supplements like fish oil.
 
Since 2004 more than 100 papers featuring the Omega-3 Index have been published in the medical and scientific literature. Furthermore, the original paper establishing the rationale for the Omega-3 Index as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease has since been cited in over 700 research papers. In fact, a study published last year showed that the Omega-3 Index is a better predictor of death from heart disease than cholesterol.
 
“Omega-3s EPA and DHA are incredibly important for human health, particularly the heart and brain,” Harris said. “The Omega-3 Index test in particular has been so useful to the scientific and practitioner communities because it is an accurate marker of omega-3 status.”
 
“Consumers also like using this test because they don’t need an order from a doctor,” he said. “It is also safe and easy to use, and helps them personalize their omega-3 intake.”
 
“While even the healthiest people might think they are getting enough omega-3s in the diet, very few actually do,” Harris said.
 
“In fact, a 2016 study showed only a few regions in the world are consuming protective levels of omega-3s (e.g., Japan, Korea, and Norway), while the rest of the world is very low in omega-3s.”

According to Inc. magazine, the Inc. 5000 ranks the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
 
Not only have the companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists, Inc. magazine said. The 2019 Inc. 5000 companies achieved a three-year average growth of 454%, and a median rate of 157%. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for more than 1.2 million jobs over the past three years.
 
This year OmegaQuant is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This is a major feat considering 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% in their second year, 50% after five years, and 70% after 10 years. 

“We are so proud of this accomplishment and hope to remain on this list for years to come,” said Jason Polreis, CEO, OmegaQuant.
 
“We attribute our incredible growth to the quality work and service from our staff, the valuable test Dr. Harris invented, and the recent interest in personalized nutrition,” Polreis said.
 
“Our nutritional status tests, such as the Omega-3 Index and Prenatal DHA Test, are just the beginning. We hope to expand our portfolio with similar nutritional status tests in the future.”