Description
Why Do People Need Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are organic molecules. Most of the fats we consume are in the form of fatty acids. The body uses fatty acids in many ways: for producing and storing energy, as building blocks for numerous (intermediate) metabolic products, as components of cell membranes, and in many other ways. Each fatty acid in the body serves a specific function and is either used purposefully or “synthesized” by the body for certain processes (i.e., building more complex compounds from simple components).
However, there are certain fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize or produce on its own – namely, the so-called “essential” fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (Omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3 fatty acid). These “essential” fatty acids are vital for health and must be taken through food or supplements (ideally regularly) to optimize the fatty acid profile of the body’s cells. They are extremely important because they affect the functionality of cells and keep cells healthy, and healthy cells are crucial for the organs and physiological processes of the body. Fatty acids promote health – and that is exactly why Omegametrix is fully dedicated to fatty acid analysis.
Omega-3 and Trans Fatty Acids: Our Focus
Two marine Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for life. However, their levels in cells can vary greatly from person to person. EPA and DHA are the most biologically active Omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, along with determining the levels of harmful trans fats from the food industry – namely trans-oleic acid and trans-linoleic acid – the focus in Omegametrix is also on EPA and DHA. Not all trans fats are harmful. Naturally occurring trans fats in milk and dairy products are healthy, as they are associated with a longer life span.
The goal of the Omegametrix method is to determine the ratio of marine Omega-3 fatty acids and harmful trans fats in red blood cells in a standardized way. While marine Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive impact on health, harmful trans fats have a negative impact. For your health, it is important to keep the levels of these two in an optimal range. Omegametrix can determine your individual levels and inform you how to achieve optimal ranges.
Achieving an Optimal HS-Omega-3 Index May Help:
- Reduce pregnancy-related complications
- Support infant development
- Improve children’s attention span and cognitive abilities
- Increase physical and mental performance in athletes
- Reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death
- Support brain functions at any age
- Relieve symptoms of depression
- Help reduce symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases
Measuring Omega-3 levels provides an individual overview and allows you to adjust your diet or supplement intake if necessary.
The HS-Omega-3 index is an important indicator of physical and mental health, determining the levels of biologically active Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the body. Studies show that sufficient Omega-3 levels are associated with various health factors, including heart, brain, and overall well-being.
Scientists, such as Prof. Dr. Clemens von Schacky, have found that the optimal HS-Omega-3 index falls between 8–11%, but many people have levels significantly lower than this. A higher Omega-3 level (>8%) is associated with a longer life, reducing overall mortality compared to lower (<4%) levels.
The HS-Omega-3 index is determined through a blood sample and has become part of medical monitoring. It helps assess whether EPA and DHA supplementation is needed, as people’s bodies absorb Omega-3 from food very differently.
