{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 119:  Omega 3 Testing - Kelly Patterson","description":"  The ALL ME\u00ae Podcast  Omega 3 Testing \u2013 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  \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Knowing your omega-3 score is important as it can indicate the risk of specific medical conditions. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The omega-3 index test measures omega-3 levels in red blood cells, providing a longer-term idea of omega-3 intakes. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The ideal omega-3 index range is between 8% and 12%, with levels below 4% considered deficient. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Low omega-3 levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Optimizing omega-3 levels can improve cardiovascular health, brain function, and metabolic health. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Omega-3 may have potential benefits in brain injury and concussion recovery. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; It takes about three months to optimize omega-3 levels, and consistency in taking supplements and consuming omega-3-rich foods is key. \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The best sources of fish high in omega-3 are salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring.  \u00b7&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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  &amp;nbsp;  Follow Us:  Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE   Contact Us:&amp;nbsp;  Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Email:&amp;nbsp; info@taylorhooton.org Phone: 214-449-1990 ALL ME Assembly Programs:  http:\/\/taylorhooton.org\/education-resources\/face-to-face-programs\/  ","author_name":"ALL ME Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/allme.libsyn.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/32371407\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/f49233\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/175427212"}