Episode 119: Omega 3 Testing - Kelly Patterson

The ALL ME® Podcast

Omega 3 Testing – Kelly Patterson

Summary

In this podcast episode, Tavis Piattoly interviews Kelly Patterson, a clinical nutrition educator at OmegaQuant Analytics, about the importance of knowing your omega-3 score and the risks of being deficient. They discuss the omega-3 index test, which measures omega-3 levels in red blood cells, and how OmegaQuant measures it. They also explore the typical blood levels of omega-3 in Americans and the benefits of optimizing levels between 8% and 12%. These benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving brain health, and mitigating the risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. The primary reason for low omega-3 levels in Americans is the lack of fish intake. The principal themes of the conversation are preterm birth rates and the role of omega-3 in reducing the risk, the potential benefits of omega-3 in brain injury and concussion recovery, the importance of dose and form in omega-3 supplements, the time it takes to optimize omega-3 levels, the sources of fish high in omega-3, and the benefits of OmegaQuant testing. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to measure and monitor their omega-3 levels and the importance of individualization in nutrition.

Takeaways

• ·        Knowing your omega-3 score is important as it can indicate the risk of specific medical conditions.
• ·        The omega-3 index test measures omega-3 levels in red blood cells, providing a longer-term idea of omega-3 intakes.
• ·        The ideal omega-3 index range is between 8% and 12%, with levels below 4% considered deficient.
• ·        Low omega-3 levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
• ·        Optimizing omega-3 levels can improve cardiovascular health, brain function, and metabolic health.
• ·        The primary reason for low omega-3 levels in Americans is the lack of fish intake. Omega-3 plays a role in reducing the risk of preterm birth, and it is important for individuals who can become pregnant to increase their omega-3 levels before pregnancy.
• ·        Omega-3 may have potential benefits in brain injury and concussion recovery.
• ·        The dose and form of omega-3 supplements are important factors to consider. Look for supplements with an adequate dose and consider triglyceride form fish oil for better absorption.
• ·        It takes about three months to optimize omega-3 levels, and consistency in taking supplements and consuming omega-3-rich foods is key.
• ·        The best sources of fish high in omega-3 are salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring.
• ·        OmegaQuant testing is recommended for everyone to measure and monitor their omega-3 levels, and it can be done through the OmegaQuant website or with the help of healthcare practitioners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Omega-3 Score

01:20 OmegaQuant and the Omega-3 Index Test

09:45 Typical Blood Levels of Omega-3 in Americans

14:14 Risks of Deficiency and Low Omega-3 Levels

16:30 Benefits of Optimizing Omega-3 Levels

23:39 Other Outcomes of Omega-3 Levels

23:49 Reducing the Risk of Preterm Birth with Omega-3

24:47 Omega-3's Potential Benefits in Brain Injury and Concussion Recovery

28:44 Choosing the Right Dose and Form of Omega-3 Supplements

33:57 Optimizing Omega-3 Levels: Time and Consistency

39:22 Best Sources of Fish High in Omega-3

42:13 The Importance of OmegaQuant Testing

 

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