Identification of Omega 3, EPA and DHA Content on Toddler Brain Development in Lamalera Village, Lembata Regency 2024
Abstract
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3, EPA, and DHA are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced naturally by the human body. These fatty acids are obtained from fish, nuts, and other foods or beverages containing omega-3 compounds. Whale oil contains EPA and DHA, which are important for the formation of brain cells and the improvement of cognitive development in toddlers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of omega-3 content in whale oil on the brain development of toddlers in Lamalera Village. Data collection was conducted through interviews with the community in Lamalera Village and experimental analysis by sending whale oil samples to LPPT UGM to determine the EPA and DHA content in whale oil. Data analysis was performed by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings showed that the omega-3 content (EPA and DHA) may influence the brain development of toddlers, as demonstrated by laboratory tests indicating high levels of DHA fatty acids in whale oil. Based on the refractive index results, the whale oil was found to be relatively pure and had not been contaminated by various interfering substances. In addition, the whale oil exhibited high viscosity, as demonstrated by the viscosity test results, indicating its thick consistency. Based on these findings, whale oil appears to have a significant influence on the brain development of toddlers.
Downloads
References
Aditama, T. Y. (2022). The role of omega-3 fatty acids in body health. Journal of Public Health, 17(2), 123–130. DOI Link
Almunady, T., et al. (2011). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids from catfish oil (Pangasius pangasius) using gas chromatography method. Journal of Chemical Science and Applications, 21(3), 145–152. DOI Link
Chang, J. P.-C., Su, K.-P., Mondelli, V., & Pariante, C. M. (2020). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and biological studies. Nutrients, 12(1), 105. DOI Link
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Diana, F. M. (2013). Omega-3 and child intelligence. Andalas Journal of Public Health, 7(2), 82–88. DOI Link
Echeverría, F., Valenzuela, R., Hernandez-Rodas, M. C., & Valenzuela, A. (2017). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fundamental fatty acid for the brain: New dietary sources. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 124, 1–10.
Gould, J. F., Smithers, L. G., & Makrides, M. (2017). The effect of maternal omega-3 (n−3) LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy on early childhood cognitive and visual development: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(3), 558–571. DOI Link
Khotimatun Nafisah. (2019). Analysis of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids of pomfret fish oil (Colossoma macropomum) using gas chromatography. Journal of Chemistry, 13(2), 89–95.
Lauritzen, L., Brambilla, P., Mazzocchi, A., Harsløf, L. B., Ciappolino, V., & Agostoni, C. (2016). DHA effects in brain development and function. Progress in Lipid Research, 64, 1–17. DOI Link
Lauritzen, L., Brambilla, P., Mazzocchi, A., Harsløf, L. B. S., Ciappolino, V., & Agostoni, C. (2016). DHA effects in brain development and function. Nutrients, 8(1), 6.
Loeziana, U. (2017). The golden age: The effective period of designing the quality of children. Journal of Child Education, 1(2), 77–92.
Maryani, D., et al. (2024). Literature review: The role of nutritional status with the growth and development of toddlers. Journal of Health Sciences by Bunda Husada, 10(1), 11–26.
Pertiwi, E. D. (2024). Lemuru fish flour: Analysis of omega-3, AA, EPA, omega-6, DHA, lead, and mercury fatty acid levels. Indonesian Journal of Nutrition, 10(1), 45–52.
Purwanti, R. (2017). Nutritional intake and cognitive development of toddlers in the area of the Bugangan Health Center, Semarang City. Darusalam Nutrition Journal, 1(2), 1–9.
Ridwan, E. (2018). The relationship between vitamin A and omega-3 intake and nutritional status of toddlers. Indonesian Health Journal, 9(1), 34–41.
Saidaiah, P., Banu, Z., Khan, A. A., Geetha, A., & Somraj, B. (2024). A comprehensive review of omega-3 fatty acids: Sources, industrial applications, and health benefits. Annals of Phytomedicine, 13(1), 209–225.
Thair, A. (2013). Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Journal of Educational Studies, 7(1), 88–99.
von Schacky, C. (2021). Importance of EPA and DHA blood levels in brain structure and function. Nutrients, 13(4), 1074.
Walidin, W., & Tabrani, Z. A. (2015). Qualitative research methodology & grounded theory. FTK Ar-Raniry Press.
Wan, G., & Gut, D. M. (2011). Bringing schools into the 21st century (Vol. 13). Springer Science & Business Media.
World Health Organization. (2020). Guideline: Fat intake for infants and young children. WHO. WHO Publications
Copyright (c) 2026 Reginaldis Maristella Surung, Petrus Afendi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
