Nutrients That Save Lives and Budgets
There is little debate around the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. But what happens when these nutrients are missing from our diets? According to a major study published in PLOS Medicine, the consequences are not only medical — they are deeply economic.
Co-authored by Dr. Thiago Veiga Jardim (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) and Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian (Tufts University), the study found that a suboptimal diet involving just 10 food groups was responsible for 18.2% of all U.S. ischemic heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes costs. This translates to significant health and economic burdens that diet-related policies could help prevent.
Low Omega-3 Intake: A $12.7 Billion Annual Burden
Using NHANES data from 2009–2012 and applying microsimulation modeling, the researchers attributed $12.7 billion annually in societal healthcare costs to low omega-3 intake from seafood. This ranks second only to low nut and seed consumption ($13.8 billion). On a per-person basis, the omega-3 shortfall costs approximately $76 per year.
The implication is clear: boosting omega-3 levels through diet or supplementation could yield substantial savings, both in human lives and healthcare dollars.
Regional Omega-3 Deficiencies and Cardiovascular Risk
Another study, published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, examined Omega-3 Index (O3I) levels in over 2,100 individuals from the U.S. “stroke belt” — including states such as Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, where stroke risk is nearly double the national average.
The average Omega-3 Index in these regions was 4.4%, well below the cardioprotective target of 8%–12%. This deficiency reflects the regional “Southern Dietary Pattern,” rich in saturated fat and processed foods but lacking omega-3-rich fish.
Dr. William S. Harris, lead author and founder of OmegaQuant, noted that increasing EPA and DHA intake could significantly reduce CVD risk.
Accessible Sources of Omega-3s
Best dietary sources of EPA and DHA include:
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Salmon
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Mackerel
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Herring
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Sardines
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Anchovies
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Cod liver
Most health authorities recommend consuming 2–3 servings of fatty fish per week, equivalent to 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day.
For those who don’t eat fish:
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Fish oil supplements: About 30% omega-3s, plus vitamins A & D.
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Krill oil: Rich in long-chain omega-3s, made from tiny crustaceans.
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Algal oil: A plant-based omega-3 source ideal for vegetarians/vegans, typically providing 400–500 mg EPA + DHA per dose.
The Omega-3 Index: A Simple Way to Know Your Status
Measuring your omega-3 status is straightforward with the Omega-3 Index test. This blood test quantifies the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes and has been used in over 200 published studies.
The ideal Omega-3 Index range:
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8%–12%: Cardioprotective
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<6%: Increased cardiovascular risk
The test is available for home use (self-ordered), or it can be prescribed by a doctor for potential insurance reimbursement or FSA/HSA coverage.
Even Doctors Are Deficient in Omega-3s
A 2018 survey by DSM revealed surprising data about U.S. physicians:
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57% did not consume the recommended two servings of fish per week.
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78% used omega-3 supplements less than once a week.
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Among those tested, the average Omega-3 Index was 5.2% — well below optimal.
Even more telling: only 5% had levels above 8%, despite more than half believing they were in the ideal range. This disconnect points to broader issues in nutrition education — even among healthcare providers.
The Need for Better Nutrition Education in Medicine
A 2015 survey of medical schools revealed that more than 70% failed to meet the minimum requirement of 25 hours of nutrition education. This gap limits doctors' ability to guide patients on diet-based prevention strategies.
OmegaQuant’s Dr. Harris emphasizes that increasing awareness of omega-3 status — through tools like the Omega-3 Index — could bridge this gap. He advocates for:
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More clinical research
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Broader testing access
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Reimbursement support
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Improved education for healthcare providers
Leading Organizations Support Omega-3 Intake
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American Heart Association: Recommends eating fish twice per week.
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World Health Organization: Suggests 200–500 mg EPA + DHA per serving of fish.
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Recommend at least 8 oz of seafood per week.
These guidelines aim to help the population achieve the minimum 250 mg/day target for EPA and DHA — a level still unmet by many Americans.
Final Thoughts
Omega-3 deficiency isn’t just a personal health issue — it’s a national economic concern. From increasing healthcare costs to preventable cardiovascular disease, suboptimal omega-3 intake has real, measurable consequences.
Testing with the Omega-3 Index and supplementing with high-quality products like Ballstad Omega-3 can help individuals reach the optimal range and protect long-term heart health.
Credit: OmegaQuant Website
