The Claim
In a cohort of 106 healthy Mediterranean adults, a higher Food Compass Score is significantly associated with increased erythrocyte levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by 13.8%, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 1.8%, and the omega-3 index by 1.6%.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Among healthy adults following a Mediterranean diet, those with higher dietary quality scores based on the Food Compass have measurably higher levels of EPA, DHA, and the omega-3 index in their red blood cells.
See the scientific wording
In a cohort of 106 healthy Mediterranean adults, a higher Food Compass Score is significantly associated with increased erythrocyte levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by 13.8% (95% CI: 5.6–22.0, p=0.001), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 1.8% (95% CI: 0.3–3.2, p=0.01), and the omega-3 index by 1.6% (95% CI: 0.4–2.8, p=0.01), indicating that dietary patterns scored as higher quality by the Food Compass are linked to greater long-term intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids.
People who eat more fish, nuts, and plant-based foods rich in omega-3s consume more EPA and DHA. These fats are absorbed from the gut, transported in the blood, and permanently embedded into the membranes of red blood cells, where they accumulate over time and reflect long-term dietary intake.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who ate healthier diets, according to a detailed scoring system, had more of the good omega-3 fats in their blood — exactly what the claim says.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.