When it comes to living longer — and living better — few nutrients have as much compelling research behind them as Omega-3 fatty acids.
And now, new findings suggest that improving your Omega-3 status could be linked to as many as five additional years of healthy life.

At Natural Nutrients, we’re big believers in small, daily habits that compound into meaningful change — and this might be one of the simplest, most impactful upgrades you can make.

Why Omega-3s Matter More Than You Think

EPA and DHA — the two most biologically active Omega-3s — are essential for:

• Heart health

• Cognitive function & brain longevity

• Healthy inflammation balance

• Blood flow

• Triglyceride regulation

Your body can’t produce enough of these on its own. You need to consume them — yet the vast majority of people simply don’t.

The Research: Raising Omega-3 Levels = More Healthy Years

Scientists measure Omega-3 status with something called the Omega-3 Index (O3i) — the percentage of EPA + DHA in your red blood cells.

Here’s what the research shows:

• A low Omega-3 Index (~4%) is associated with a significantly higher risk of early mortality

• Raising the Omega-3 Index toward 8% is linked to up to five extra years of life expectancy

• The mortality risk associated with low Omega-3 levels is similar in scale to the risk associated with smoking

This makes Omega-3 status one of the most powerful — and overlooked — predictors of long-term health.

How Much Do You Actually Need?

Most UK adults sit around 5–5.5% on the Omega-3 Index.

To move toward the 8% “optimal zone,” research suggests:

• ~1.7 g (1700 mg) EPA + DHA daily for individuals starting around 5%

• Up to ~2 g daily for those starting lower (~4%)

Hitting these levels through diet alone would require regular consumption of portions of oily fish — and Omega-3 content varies significantly between species.

Why Supplementation Makes Sense

Increasing your intake through salmon, sardines and mackerel helps — but hitting consistent daily targets is difficult.

A high-quality supplement ensures:

• Reliable EPA & DHA levels

• Purity from heavy metals and contaminants

• Predictable intake, every day

• Better long-term adherence

For most people, it’s the most practical way to optimise Omega-3 status for long-term health.

How to Choose the Right Omega-3

Look for an Omega-3 supplement that:

✔ Lists EPA & DHA content clearly
✔ Provides a meaningful daily dose
✔ Is purified for heavy metals and contaminants
✔ Uses high-quality fish oil (or algae-based sources for plant-based users)

This is the exact standard we follow at Natural Nutrients.

The Takeaway

Optimising your Omega-3 levels is one of the smartest, simplest and most impactful steps you can take for long-term health and vitality.

Explore our Omega-3 solutions here →
[Insert Natural Nutrients Omega-3 product link]

Because every extra year — and the quality of those years — matters.

Research References

1. Harris, W. S. & Von Schacky, C. (2004). The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Preventive Medicine, 39(1), 212–220.

2. Harris, W. S. et al. (2017). Omega-3 Index and mortality: Relationship with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(5), 1170–1180.

3. O’Keefe, J. H. et al. (2006). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 48(1), 112–114.

4. Stark, K. D. et al. (2016). Global survey of the Omega-3 Index: correlates of EPA + DHA in erythrocytes. Progress in Lipid Research, 63, 132–152.

5. Walker, R. E. et al. (2019). Dose-response effects of omega-3 supplementation on the Omega-3 Index. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109(1), 68–79.

6. Mozaffarian, D. & Wu, J. H. Y. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: Effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(20), 2047–2067.

7. Kris-Etherton, P. M. et al. (2002). Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 106(21), 2747–2757.