Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services
Review 4.8 / 55 Stars! Private STI Tests &ampl; Health Checks Online Reviews
Login ›Basket (0)
Basket (0)
Find Your Test
Womens
Mens
All Tests
Conditions
Help
Take This Test ›All Biomarkers ›

Omega-3 Testing (ALA)

The Omega-3 test is also known as a Alpha-linolenic Acid test.

All you need to know about testing Omega-3 levels with a laboratory test

  • What is the Omega-3 test for?
  • How to test Omega-3?
  • What if Omega-3 results are low?
  • Who should take the Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Blood test?
  • How Much Omega-3 Do I Need?
  • Which Foods Are High In Omega-3s?

What Is The Omega-3 Test For?

Omega-3s are a group of fatty acids (a.k.a. lipids) essential for life, and part of the composition of vital organs of our body.

They are mostly found in oily fish, in addition to many seeds and oils such as flaxseed, walnut, or vegetable oils.

How To Test Omega-3

By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Omega-3 for total reassurance.

Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.

The Vitall Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids nurse or clinic test kit includes a Omega-3 test and is available for just £99.00.

Tests which include a Omega-3 test:

Health is in your hands
Health is in your hands
Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Test Kit

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids test kit
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Home Test Kit UK

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Test Kit

Assess the ratio of these essential fatty acids

£99.00

View Full Details ›

What if Omega-3 Results Are Low?

Low omega-3 levels can be linked to low dietary intake, a high omega-6 intake, or increased demand for omega-3 due to inflammation, stress, or high exercise levels.

Omega-3 levels are commonly influenced by:

  • Omega-3-rich foods: oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and trout (2–3 times per week); and plant-based sources such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and algal oil.
  • Omega-3 supplements: products containing DHA and EPA omega-3s rather than fish liver oil; roughly 450 mg per day is often referenced (with food sometimes considered the better choice).
  • Omega-6 intake: higher intake is often associated with processed foods and oils such as sunflower, soybean, and corn oils.

A repeat test in 3–6 months is sometimes used to see whether levels change following dietary changes or supplement use.

Who Should Take This Test?

Measure your Omega-3 levels and assess the ratio of these essential fatty acids with a Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit

You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.

This Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Test is advised if you:

  • want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
  • need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.

How Much Omega-3 Do I Need?

There are three fatty acids in the omega-3 group which have significant activity in humans. The recommended nutritional intake for each of these is as follows:

Daily Intake Of: Men Women
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 2 grams 1.6 grams
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 0.5 grams 0.5 grams
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 0.5 grams 0.5 grams

Additionally, for people considered at cardiovascular risk, intake of DHA and EPA can be increased to one gram per day.

In practical terms, the daily requirement of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is equivalent to two tablespoons of vegetable oil. For eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eating two to three servings of fatty fish per week is sufficient to provide the average daily requirement. 

As well as consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids, ideally four times more omega-6 should be consumed than omega-3. This ratio is important, but the modern diet does not typically achieve this.

Researchers estimate that many people consume twenty times more omega-6 than omega-3, and would benefit from taking steps to reduce this.

Measuring your ratio with an omega-3 and omega-6 home test kit is the first step to addressing any imbalances here.

Which Foods Are High In Omega-3s?

As there are different types of omega-3 fatty acids, so there are different sources of omega-3 within your diet. Some foods provide us with omega 3 ALA while others provide us with EPA and DHA.

It is vital to eat both sources of omega-3 fatty acids to ensure optimum levels in your body.

 

Foods High In ALA

ALA fatty acids are mainly present in plants, especially in the form of vegetable oils such as rapeseed, walnut or flaxseed. Consequently, vegetable margarine, made from these oils, can be very good sources of ALA.

ALA is also found in cabbage, spinach and salad leaves. There are also several animal sources including wild game and horses, although these are typically eaten sparsely in a Western diet.

The equivalent of two tablespoons of vegetable oil per day is required per day to meet the needs of your body. Note that it is healthier to use vegetable oils as a seasoning or dressing, rather than to fry with them.

 

Foods High In EPA & DHA

These omega-3 fatty acids are largely found in fish and seafood, especially fatty fish. They are also found in dairy products as well as in egg yolk, although this does depend on how the animals have been fed.

To meet our omega-3 EPA and DHA needs, two to three servings per week of fatty fish is required. This includes fish such as mackerel, salmon, anchovies, sardines etc as well as shellfish like crabs, lobster and crayfish.

Other Biomarkers Often Tested With Omega-3

Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Omega-3
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Omega-6
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

Useful links

About VitallContact UsHelp CentreClinic LocationsBiomarkersHealth BlogPartnershipsEmployee HealthOur Terms
Facebook Icon for VitallInstagram Icon for VitallLinkedIn Icon for VitallPinterest Icon for VitallTiktok Icon for Vitall

Join our mailing list for 10% off!

Popular tests

Female FertilityFemale Total Health CheckFull Blood CountMale Total Health CheckTestosterone & EstrogenVitamins & Minerals
All Tests Are CE marked, IVDAll Tests Are CE marked, IVDUKAS Quality Management  Expert Blood Test Analysis in an Accredited Laboratory

All Testing Is Conducted In UKAS Accredited Laboratories.

© 2026 Healthy Human Labs LTD, 71 - 75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.

Vitall AI Chat