A landmark new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition reports the first nationally representative Omega-3 Index data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), revealing that most Americans have omega-3 levels well below those associated with optimal cardiovascular health.

The study analyzed blood samples from more than 7,200 Americans ages 6 and older collected between August 2021 and August 2023.

Researchers found that:

• 54 percent of Americans had an Omega-3 Index below 4 percent, a level considered undesirable.
• Nearly 98 percent of Americans had an Omega-3 Index below the optimal target of 8 percent.
• The average U.S. Omega-3 Index was just 4.12 percent, placing the population near the lower end of the intermediate range.

Perhaps even more importantly, this marks the first time NHANES has included direct measurement of the Omega-3 Index, providing the first nationally representative baseline of omega-3 status in the United States using red blood cell membrane measurements. Until now, national surveillance has relied primarily on dietary intake estimates rather than objective biomarkers.

“This is a major milestone for omega-3 research and public health,” said Dr. Bill Harris, co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index and founder of OmegaQuant (Sioux Falls, SD). “For the first time, we have nationally representative biomarker data showing where Americans stand. These findings confirm what smaller studies have suggested for years—that the vast majority of Americans are not achieving optimal omega-3 levels.”

The Omega-3 Index measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, providing an objective assessment of long-term omega-3 status over the previous several months. Unlike dietary questionnaires, the Omega-3 Index reflects what has actually been incorporated into the body’s tissues. The study notes that red blood cell fatty acid measurements are considered a preferred method for assessing long-term omega-3 status.

Researchers also observed several notable trends:

• Omega-3 Index values increased with age.
• Adults who used omega-3-containing dietary supplements had significantly higher Omega-3 Index values.
• Smoking and obesity were independently associated with lower Omega-3 Index levels.

According to the authors, these data establish an important benchmark for future public health research and policy.

“These first nationally representative red blood cell fatty acid and Omega-3 Index profiles provide baseline data for the United States population that inform public health strategies, guide nutrition policy, and lay the groundwork for future research on the role of fatty acid status in population health and disease prevention.”

“This study reinforces the value of measuring omega-3 status rather than estimating it from diet alone,” added Harris. “Knowing your Omega-3 Index gives clinicians and individuals a practical tool for assessing nutritional status and tracking improvement over time.”

For more information, visit https://omegaquant.com.