Development and validation of a HPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of fatty acids - in the form of FAME ammonium adducts - in human whole blood and erythrocytes to determine omega-3 index.

Recent scientific studies in the field of health and nutrition have unanimously affirmed the importance of consuming the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), because of their cardioprotective properties. Fatty acid profiling in erythrocyte membranes allows the omega-3 index, which is a recognized indicator of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, to be calculated. One consequence of the upward trend in healthy lifestyles and longevity is an increase in the number of studies into the omega-3 index, which requires a reliable method for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids.