In addition to measuring the amount of omega-3s in the bloodstream, the new Gene Smart blood test provides a measure of a person's omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Leading experts believe that the marked shift in omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in the Western diet over the past three generations has led to an overall increase in chronic whole body inflammation and a higher incidence of allergic and inflammatory disease including cardiovascular disease, asthma, allergies, diabetes and arthritis. This is of concern because omega-3s tend to be anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective, while consuming too many omega-6 fats can lead to an overproduction of inflammatory messengers.

Dr. Chilton's latest research in nutrient/gene interactions, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (June 5, 2009), demonstrated that shifting ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 from greater than 15:1 to less than 5:1 in humans can positively influence genes that provide protection against allergies and other inflammatory diseases. According to Chilton, the increased omega-6 fatty acids in the typical U.S. diet is due in large part to the industrialization of our food supply and increased consumption of omega-6 rich foods such as vegetable oils, salad oils, margarine and fried foods. Combined with a reduced consumption of omega-3 rich fish, this has resulted in omega-6/omega-3 ratios often well in excess of 10:1. Anthropological evidence suggests that our hunter-gatherer ancestors maintained a ratio closer to 2:1.

"The best news in all of this is that a low Omega-3 Index is an easily modifiable risk factor," added Dr. Chilton. "By simply eating more oily fish like salmon and albacore tuna, or taking a quality omega-3 supplement with the right levels of EPA and DHA, anyone can improve their Omega-3 Index score which research suggests will reduce their risk of heart disease - the number one killer of men and women in this country."

The Gene Smart Omega-3 Index test is now available through Gene Smart Wellness at www.genesmart as a convenient, at-home "finger stick" kit which is sent by the user to a lab for a comprehensive analysis. Research suggests that the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index may be an independent risk factor that is not influenced by other heart disease risk factors like cholesterol or blood pressure. All risk factors, including the Omega-3 Index, should be addressed as part of an overall heart health risk reduction strategy.

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