The ALL ME® Podcast Omega 3 Testing – 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 ·        Knowing your omega-3 score is important as it can indicate the risk of specific medical conditions. ·        The omega-3 index test measures omega-3 levels in red blood cells, providing a longer-term idea of omega-3 intakes. ·        The ideal omega-3 index range is between 8% and 12%, with levels below 4% considered deficient. ·        Low omega-3 levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. ·        Optimizing omega-3 levels can improve cardiovascular health, brain function, and metabolic health. ·        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. ·        Omega-3 may have potential benefits in brain injury and concussion recovery. ·        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. ·        It takes about three months to optimize omega-3 levels, and consistency in taking supplements and consuming omega-3-rich foods is key. ·        The best sources of fish high in omega-3 are salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring. ·        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   Follow Us: Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Contact Us:  Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Email:  Phone: 214-449-1990 ALL ME Assembly Programs: