How much EPA + DHA omega-3 do you need for a desirable Omega-3 Index score? – Brain Health Education and Research Institute

To achieve a desirable Omega-3 Index of 8%, Americans would need a combination of 4-5 fish servings per week plus an EPA+DHA supplement, says a new study. Data from two cross-sectional studies comparing EPA plus DHA and fish intakes with the Omega-3 Index found that, to achieve an Omega-3 Index of 8% (8-12% is considered ideal), intakes of fish and/or supplements would have to significantly exceed current AHA recommendations of “1-2 seafood meals per week.”

The new paper looks ar data from 3458 people who submitted dried blood spot samples for testing. They also answers questions about their fish intake and supplement use.The results indicated that, for those people who reported taking no omega-3 supplements and consuming no fish, the average Index was about 4.1%. On the other hand, people taking supplements and consuming 3 fish meals a week had an average Index of 8.1%.