Omega-3 Index in Europe — Key Statistics 2026
The omega-3 index measures the proportion of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. Over 70% of the German population has an omega-3 index below 8% — the optimal range for cardiovascular health defined by von Schacky (2020). Germany's mean index is only 5.0–6.5% [Stark et al. 2016]. This page aggregates verified figures from primary studies and EFSA guidelines.
Last updated: May 2026 · YMYL: epidemiological data only, no treatment recommendations.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Indicator | Value | Group / Region | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean omega-3 index, Germany | 5.0–6.5% | Adults DE (pooled data) | Stark et al. 2016 (Prog Lipid Res) |
| Population share with omega-3 index < 8% (DE) | > 70% | Adults DE | von Schacky 2020 (Nutrients) |
| Mean EPA+DHA intake, Europe (non-Nordic) | ~100–130 mg/day | Adults EU (excl. Nordic countries) | Stark et al. 2016 |
| EFSA recommended EPA+DHA intake (adults) | 250 mg/day | Cardiovascular health (EFSA 2012) | EFSA 2012 |
| Optimal omega-3 index (von Schacky target) | 8–11% | Cardiovascular health target range | von Schacky 2020 |
| Omega-3 index, Nordic countries (high fish intake) | 7–9% | Norway, Iceland, Japan (reference) | Stark et al. 2016 |
Global Omega-3 Index Comparison
Stark et al. (2016) analysed omega-3 index data from 298 studies (n = 298,121 participants from 44 countries), creating the most comprehensive global map of EPA+DHA status to date. Germany falls into the intermediate range — better than much of Asia and Africa, but significantly below Japanese or Icelandic values.
| Country / Region | Mean Omega-3 Index | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ~10% | Optimal (high fish consumption) |
| Norway / Iceland | 7–9% | Well-supplied |
| Germany | 5.0–6.5% | Suboptimal (target > 8%) |
| USA | ~5% | Suboptimal |
| Southeast / South Asia | < 4% | High-risk zone |
Von Schacky classification: < 4% = high risk · 4–8% = intermediate (suboptimal) · > 8% = optimal.
Dietary Gap and Food Sources
Atlantic salmon — one of the richest natural EPA+DHA sources.
Average is less than half the EFSA recommendation of 250 mg/day [Stark et al. 2016].
Plant ALA (flaxseed, walnuts) converts to EPA at only 5–10% efficiency — insufficient to replace marine sources [EFSA 2012].
Methodology & Sources
- Stark et al. 2016 — Global survey of omega-3 fatty acids. Prog Lipid Res 63:132–152. PMID 26950977. pubmed/26950977
- von Schacky 2020 — Omega-3 Index review. Nutrients 12(4):898. PMID 32340155. pubmed/32340155
- EFSA 2012 — EPA/DHA tolerable upper intake. EFSA Journal 10(7):2815. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Flock et al. 2013 — Long-chain omega-3: time for DRI. Nutr Rev 71(10):692. PMID 23140131. pubmed/23140131
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Data under CC BY 4.0.
Optimise Your Omega-3 Supply?
In our omega-3 guide, we explain which doses actually raise the index, how fish oil and algae oil compare, and how to self-test your omega-3 index via a blood test.