All About the Omega 3-6 Ratio or Index and Why You Need to Know Yours!
The Omega 3-6 ratio (index)
The omega-3-6 index is defined as the amount of EPA plus DHA in red blood cell membranes expressed as the percent of total red blood cell membrane fatty acids .
The EPA + DHA content of red blood cell membranes correlates with that of all body cells, and several observational studies indicate that a lower omega-3 index is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality.
It is therefore proposed that the omega-3 index can be used as a biomarker for risk assessment for many diseases, among them heart disease, brain diseases like Alzheimers, mental illness, asthma, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and general health and longevity.
Omega 3-and 6- fatty acids together with cholesterol are necessary components of healthy cell membranes throughout your body.
The omega-3 index has also been used to assess your need for supplementation as well as the success of supplementation.
Here is a Sample Test result for you to check out:
You get a multi-page report of your omega-3-6 ratio, the fatty acids composition of your blood and your trans-fat-index.
Questions about this test?
Thinking about another test?
Questions about supplementation?
Talk with your functional medicine practitioner and learn more in my interview with Bill Harris, Founder of Omegaquant, or on their website.
Watch the lively interview of Dr. Christine Sauer with Dr. Bill Harris, Fatty Acid Scientist and Founder of OmegaQuant.
Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Dr. Christine Sauer
