Understanding omega-3 status around the world is key to tackling the widespread health implications of deficiency. A recent study led by Stark et al. took on the ambitious task of estimating omega-3 status globally — providing researchers, healthcare providers, and consumers with a clearer picture of which populations are getting enough of these essential fatty acids, and which are falling short.
Why the Omega-3 Index Matters
Researchers have historically measured omega-3 status using various blood components — including plasma, serum, whole blood, and red blood cells — and they’ve measured different fatty acids, such as EPA, DHA, and DPA. This variation has made it difficult to compare results across studies.
To address this inconsistency, Stark and his colleagues proposed a standardized approach: using EPA + DHA in erythrocytes, also known as the Omega-3 Index, as the global benchmark. This index has been widely documented in the scientific literature and is now increasingly accepted as the preferred biomarker for assessing long-term omega-3 status.
Mapping Global Omega-3 Levels
According to the study’s findings, the highest Omega-3 Index levels were observed in:
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Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Iceland) — where fish is a dietary staple
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Coastal East Asia (notably Japan and South Korea) — particularly in regions bordering the Sea of Japan
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Indigenous communities in Greenland and coastal parts of Alaska — where diets remain rich in traditional marine foods
These populations consistently consume fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring, which are naturally high in EPA and DHA, leading to superior omega-3 index values.
Conversely, some of the lowest Omega-3 Index values were found in:
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North America (United States and Canada) — where processed foods dominate and fish intake is low
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South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile) — particularly in urban centers with Westernized dietary patterns
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India and much of the Middle East — where vegetarian diets or cooking practices lack rich marine omega-3 sources
The Health Risk Behind Low Omega-3 Index Values
An Omega-3 Index below 4% is considered high-risk, correlating with increased chances of cardiovascular disease, poor cognitive performance, and chronic inflammation. Most countries in the Americas, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East fall into this category, highlighting an urgent public health concern.
For example, in the United States, average omega-3 index levels hover between 3.5% and 4.5%, despite the country’s high supplement availability. In contrast, the average Japanese adult records an Omega-3 Index of 8–10%, thanks to regular seafood intake.
In India, omega-3 deficiency is even more widespread due to predominantly vegetarian diets. Studies show less than 2% of Indian adults reach the recommended EPA and DHA intake, putting the population at elevated risk for heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Case for Standardized Biomarker Use in Research
The Stark study marks an important milestone toward establishing the Omega-3 Index as a universal standard. By promoting consistency across research studies and clinical assessments, it becomes easier to identify deficiencies, track trends over time, and develop targeted nutritional interventions.
This harmonization is particularly valuable for global health policy, allowing governments and health organizations to prioritize omega-3 education, supplement access, and dietary guidelines in deficient populations.
Bridging the Gap with Ballstad Omega-3
With many regions around the world falling short of optimal omega-3 intake, quality supplementation is essential — especially for people who don't consume fatty fish regularly. That’s where Ballstad Omega-3 makes a difference.
Ballstad products are:
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Rich in EPA and DHA, targeting optimal Omega-3 Index levels
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Sourced from clean, sustainable marine environments
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Processed under stringent quality standards to ensure purity and bioavailability
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Designed to support heart, brain, and vision health
Whether you're in Oslo or Ontario, Tokyo or Texas — Ballstad Omega-3 helps close the nutritional gap and ensures you get the essential omega-3 fatty acids your body needs.
