Researchers have developed a more convenient method for measuring omega-3 fatty acid levels in the blood, which is an important biomarker for disease risk. This faster and simpler test compared to its predecessors will make it easier for healthcare professionals to obtain vital information about cardiovascular health and cognitive wellness, according to an article published on New Atlas citing the journal Lipid Research.
Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to numerous health benefits, but the human body does not produce enough of them naturally, so they must also be obtained from food. Two key omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can only be sourced from specific foods such as oily fish, seafood, and dietary supplements. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) represents the total of the two main omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, found in red blood cell membranes. The O3I is a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac death, inflammation, and cognitive impairment, independently of traditional risk factors.
Current tests for measuring O3I require drawing a large volume of blood and conducting complex laboratory work that takes a long time to analyze the content of omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, most doctors do not routinely measure O3I. However, researchers from McMaster University in Canada have successfully developed a simpler and more convenient test for this important biomarker.
In this context, Philip Breitz McEwen, one of the researchers involved in the study, stated, "The O3I test is a complex procedure, so it is not routinely available for screening patients," adding that the new Canadian test "will make routine testing much more convenient."
The researchers used a "multi-part capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry" MSI-NACE-MS test to identify circulating phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine (PC), as alternative biomarkers for O3I. This test provides faster results and requires only small volumes of blood.
Researcher Breitz McEwen elucidated, "In general, if a person has an O3I level below 4%, there may be a higher risk of cardiovascular-related disease. Conversely, individuals with an O3I above 8% have lower risks. However, since O3I is a modifiable risk factor, it can be altered through diet."
