Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Published on: September 27, 2024
Association of two cut-off points for the n-3 index with cardiometabolic risk factors in Brazilian and Puerto Rican
Lais Duarte Batista1,2, Katherine L Tucker3, Sherman Bigornia4
1Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
The omega-3 index (O3I) is linked to cardiovascular health. This study found O3I levels below desirable in Brazilians and Puerto Ricans, with varied associations with cardiometabolic factors depending on cut-offs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- The omega-3 index (O3I) is a biomarker for omega-3 fatty acid status.
- Its association with cardiometabolic risk factors requires further investigation across diverse populations.
- Previous studies suggest O3I may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) endpoints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between O3I, defined by two different cut-off points, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
- To compare O3I levels and their associations in Brazilian and Puerto Rican adults.
- To assess the prevalence of desirable O3I levels in these populations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 249 Brazilians and 1261 Puerto Ricans (aged 45-75 years).
- Quantification of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids using gas chromatography (GC).
- O3I categorized using two distinct cut-off systems; cardiometabolic factors (lipids, waist circumference, insulin resistance) measured via standardized protocols. Multivariable-adjusted linear models used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Brazilians had a slightly higher mean O3I (4.65%) than Puerto Ricans (4.43%).
- Few participants achieved desirable/high O3I levels (1.6% in Brazilians, 1.2% in Puerto Ricans).
- Inverse associations were observed between O3I and triglycerides, VLDL, and TAG/HDL-cholesterol in Puerto Ricans. In Brazilians, higher O3I was linked to increased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL-cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Both Brazilian and Puerto Rican adults exhibit O3I levels below desirable thresholds.
- The relationship between O3I and cardiometabolic factors is complex and varies by population and the O3I cut-off used.
- Further research in diverse populations is crucial to understand the implications of O3I levels for cardiometabolic health.
Abstract:
The n-3 index has been proposed as a risk factor for CVD endpoints. However, the association of the O3I defined with different cut-offs and cardiometabolic risk factors has been less studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between two cut-off points of the O3I and cardiometabolic risk factors in Brazilian and Puerto Rican adults. This cross-sectional analysis included 249 Brazilians and 1261 Puerto Ricans, aged 45-75 years. Fatty acids composition was quantified in erythrocyte membranes using GC with a flame ionisation detector. The O3I was categorised as ≤ 4 % (low), > 4-8 % (intermediate) and ≥ 8 % (desirable), and as ≤ 4 % (very low), > 4-6 % (low), > 6-8 % (moderate) and > 8 % (high) in the second cut-off classification. Serum lipids, waist circumference and insulin resistance were measured from standardised protocols. Multivariable-adjusted linear models tested the association between the O3I and cardiometabolic factors. Brazilians had a mean (sd) O3I of 4·65 % (1·19 %) v. 4·43 % (1·14 %) in Puerto Ricans (P = 0·033), with only 1·6 % of Brazilians and 1·2 % of Puerto Ricans presenting a desirable/high O3I. The O3I, as continuous or for > 4 % (v. ≤ 4 %), was inversely associated with TAG, VLDL and TAG/HDL-cholesterol ratio in Puerto Ricans. In Brazilians, an O3I > 6 % (v. ≤ 6 %) was associated with higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol. Both populations presented O3I below the desirable levels, and the magnitude and direction of associations with cardiometabolic factors varied by study and cut-offs, reinforcing the importance of expanding these investigations to more diverse populations.
More Related Videos
14:56Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
Published on: May 6, 2022
05:16Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Published on: June 10, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:12Relative Risk
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...