Studies have shown that an Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher was associated with a lower risk for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Also, a higher Omega-3 Index was associated with slowed “cellular aging” as well as a slower heart rate.
Below average Omega-3 Indexes were associated with depression and higher levels of inflammatory markers. Heart patients with a low Omega-3 Index also died at a faster rate than those with above average levels.
Dr. William Harris states, “It appears that it takes about one gram of EPA plus DHA per day for about half a year to move the average person’s Omega-3 Index of 4% up to the target of 8%. This will vary considerably depending on many variables, but that gives people a rough idea of where to start.”