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What 762,150 Blood Samples Reveal About Your Health.

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What if I told you that something happening inside your blood could have a major impact on how well your brain functions, how healthy your heart is, how your body manages inflammation, and even how well you age?

And what if a massive new scientific study could help us better understand what’s happening?

That’s exactly what I want to share with you.

A remarkable study published in 2026 in the scientific journal Lipids in Health and Disease examined 762,150 blood samples to better understand how certain fats in our blood differ based on supplement habits [1].

That’s more than three-quarters of a million blood samples!

Before you read any further, I want to encourage you to do two things: Read this article carefully and share it with your doctor or another healthcare professional.

Why?

Because I believe the findings of this study deserve serious attention. They raise important questions about how we evaluate nutrition, supplementation, and the health of our cells.

More importantly, they give us another reason to become active participants in our own healthcare.

We cannot afford to simply assume we’re healthy or that the supplements we’re taking are doing what we expect them to do. We need to ask questions, know our numbers, and take action.

For years, scientists have studied two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

These nutrients play important roles in your brain, heart, immune system, and the health of your cells. Researchers have also studied how EPA and DHA relate to heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and healthy aging.

But here’s the big question: Are you actually getting enough EPA and DHA to support your health?

And here’s another question.

If you’re already taking an omega-3 supplement, does that mean you’re getting the benefits you think you’re getting?

That’s where this research becomes especially interesting.

Researchers compared blood samples from three groups: those reporting no omega-3 supplementation, those taking omega-3 supplements independently, and those participating in a structured BalanceOil+ program.

Rather than relying only on what people reported taking, researchers examined the actual fatty acids measured in their blood.

And the differences were striking.

The structured BalanceOil+ group had higher EPA and DHA levels, a lower ratio between two important fatty acids involved in inflammatory signaling, and more consistent results for that ratio.

This was an observational study, not a clinical trial designed to prove cause and effect. Still, the findings raise important questions about supplementation and testing that deserve discussion with healthcare professionals.

Because when it comes to your health, there’s a big difference between what you’re putting into your body and what’s actually showing up in your blood.

Why EPA and DHA Matter

Your body contains trillions of cells. Each cell has an outer layer called a cell membrane.

Think of this membrane as a protective wall with doors that control what enters and leaves the cell.

The fats that make up this membrane help determine how well it works.

DHA is especially important for brain and eye health. EPA helps regulate inflammatory signals. Both play important roles in cellular and cardiovascular health.

But here’s something many people don’t realize.

Not all omega-3 fatty acids are the same.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, is also an omega-3. Your body can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, but that conversion is limited, especially for DHA.

Someone could consume plenty of ALA and still have relatively low EPA and DHA levels.

Getting omega-3s is not necessarily the same as getting enough EPA and DHA.

What Did the Researchers Study?

The researchers analyzed dried blood spot samples collected through a commercial fatty acid testing service between 2012 and 2023.

They compared three groups:

The structured program included a fish-oil and extra virgin olive oil formulation, weight-based dosing guidance, and blood testing with feedback.

These figures represent blood samples, not necessarily 762,150 unique people. Some individuals may have submitted more than one sample.

The researchers measured fatty acids in whole blood using a dried blood spot test, which requires only a small amount of blood, usually collected through a finger prick.

This allowed them to examine what was actually present in the blood rather than relying only on reported supplement habits.

The First Major Finding: Higher EPA and DHA Levels

One of the most interesting findings involved the combined amount of EPA and DHA measured in whole blood.

Here’s something important to understand: Generally speaking, a higher percentage of EPA and DHA in your blood is more favorable than a lower percentage.

Why? Because EPA and DHA support healthy cell function. DHA is especially important for the brain and eyes, while EPA helps regulate inflammation. Both contribute to cardiovascular and cellular health.

A low percentage may suggest that someone isn’t getting enough of these important fatty acids.

A higher percentage means more EPA and DHA are present in the blood, which is often a favorable sign. However, higher is not always better without limit, and these whole-blood percentages are not established clinical targets.

Now, look at what researchers discovered.

The structured BalanceOil+ group had approximately 70% higher EPA and DHA levels than the group reporting no supplementation.

It also had approximately 35% higher levels than the independent supplement group.

In other words, the structured program group had the most favorable EPA and DHA levels of the three groups studied.

These percentages represent the share of measured whole-blood fatty acids made up of EPA and DHA. They are not supplement doses or the same as the red blood cell Omega-3 Index.

Just because someone takes an omega-3 supplement doesn’t mean they’re achieving the EPA and DHA levels they expect.

The study found an association between participation in the structured program and higher EPA and DHA levels. It did not prove that the program itself caused the difference.

The Second Major Finding: A Lower AA/EPA Ratio

Researchers also examined the ratio between arachidonic acid (AA) and EPA.

AA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body needs for normal functions. It also helps produce certain substances involved in inflammation.

EPA helps regulate inflammatory activity and supports the production of substances involved in resolving inflammation.

The AA/EPA ratio compares these two fatty acids.

Generally speaking, a lower AA/EPA ratio can reflect a more favorable balance between AA and EPA.

Here’s what researchers found:

The structured program group had an AA/EPA ratio approximately 69% lower than the nonsupplement group and 52% lower than the independent supplement group.

The structured program group also had less variation in its AA/EPA results, meaning the results were more consistent across that group.

A lower ratio does not mean AA is bad or that the lowest possible ratio is always best. Both fatty acids are necessary for health.

Why These Findings Matter for Your Health

As a clinical nutritionist, I’ve worked with clients who reported meaningful improvements after making nutrition changes and improving their fatty acid profiles.

Some experienced relief from dry eyes, better triglyceride levels, improved blood pressure, healthier skin, fewer headaches, and less menstrual discomfort.

These are individual experiences, not outcomes measured in this study.

EPA and DHA are involved in several important areas of health.

Brain health: DHA is a major structural fatty acid in the brain and supports normal nerve cell function.

Heart health: EPA and DHA can help lower elevated triglycerides. Certain formulations have also been studied for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Inflammation: EPA and DHA help regulate inflammatory signaling and support normal immune function.

Cellular health: These fatty acids are important parts of cell membranes.

Healthy aging: Researchers continue to study their roles in cognitive health, cardiovascular health, and other age-related conditions.

This particular study did not measure whether people developed cancer, dementia, heart attacks, or strokes. It measured blood fatty acid profiles.

Why Testing Matters More Than Guessing

One of my favorite sayings is:

There’s a big difference between what you’re putting into your body and what’s actually showing up in your blood.

You might eat healthy foods. You might take fish oil every day. You might spend hundreds of dollars on supplements.

But do you know your EPA and DHA levels?

Do you know your AA/EPA ratio?

Without testing, you may simply be guessing.

The study showed that people reporting independent supplementation had higher EPA and DHA levels on average than non-supplement users. However, the results differed across individuals.

Testing can help establish where you are today.

Nutrition changes can then be guided by your needs, followed by another test around 120 days later to see how your numbers have changed.

This is not about following a restrictive 120-day diet. It’s about making sustainable changes and measuring your progress.

What the Study Can and Cannot Tell Us

This was a large observational study. Researchers examined existing blood test results rather than randomly assigning people to different treatments.

That means the findings show associations, not proof of cause and effect.

The study also could not separate the effects of the BalanceOil+ formulation from other parts of the structured program, such as dosing guidance, testing, and feedback.

Several authors reported professional or financial relationships with Zinzino or the testing laboratory. These relationships are important to disclose when evaluating research.

Even with these limits, the study offers valuable insight into differences in blood fatty acid profiles across a very large collection of samples.

The Bottom Line: Know Your Numbers

You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong before paying attention to your health.

EPA and DHA are important nutrients, and knowing your blood fatty acid profile can help you make more informed decisions.

The 762,150 blood samples in this study revealed striking differences among people reporting no supplementation, independent supplementation, and participation in a structured program.

The structured BalanceOil+ group had higher EPA and DHA levels, lower AA/EPA ratios, and more consistent AA/EPA results.

But the most important lesson goes beyond any single supplement or program.

Don’t just assume you’re getting enough. Find out.

Because when you know your numbers, you have a better starting point for taking control of your health.

Take the Next Step: Discover Your Cellular Health

Are you getting enough EPA and DHA? Don’t guess. Get tested!

The first step toward improving your health is knowing where you stand today.

With the At-Home Cellular Health Test, you can measure important fatty acid markers, including your EPA and DHA levels, your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and your AA/EPA ratio.

The test is simple, convenient, and can be completed from the comfort of your home with a small blood sample.

Once we have your results, we can better understand your current fatty acid balance and develop personalized nutrition recommendations to help improve your numbers.

Then, approximately 120 days later, we can test again to measure your progress.

Remember: You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Take the first step toward better cellular health today.

Get your At-Home Cellular Health Test:

https://dietfreelife.store/at-home-cellular-health-test/

Have questions? Email me at robert@dietfreelife.com.

Let’s find out where you stand today, so we can work together to improve your numbers and support your long-term health.

References

1. 1. Gisslevik, E., Torrissen, M., Rizzo, A. M., Gundersen, T. E., Eide, O., Clayton, P., & Robertson, C. (2026). Real-world omega-3 supplementation patterns and whole-blood fatty-acid biomarkers: A cross-sectional analysis of 762,150 dried blood spot samples. Lipids in Health and Disease. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-026-03071-5
   2. Torrissen, M., Gisslevik, E., Gundersen, T. E., Bolstad, T., Eide, O., Rizzo, A. M., Clayton, P., & Robertson, C. (2025). Global variations in omega-3 fatty acid status and omega-6 ratios: Insights from more than 500,000 whole-blood dried blood spot samples. Lipids in Health and Disease, 24, Article 260. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-025-02676-6

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Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, clinical nutritionist, Omega Balancing Coach™, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, and Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health. He also serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association and the Health and Product Advisory Board for Zinzino, Inc.

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