Experts IPB: Remind the Communities to be careful with the Imported Fish Oil
Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of certain eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation in the body. The fish oil benefits include decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke while also helping reduce symptoms of depression, hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain, arthritis and chronic skin ailments like eczema. Fish oil intake has also been associated with aiding the body in weight loss, fertility, pregnancy and increased energy. The benefits of fish oil include lowering blood cholesterol, prevent obesity, improve inflammatory disorders and stimulate brain development of children that affect the intelligence.
However, according to one of the Professor Chair Holders of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of Bogor Agricultural University (FPIK IPB), Prof. Dr. Sugeng Heri Suseno, seven out of ten samples of imported fish oil tested, found that their DHA and EPA contents were less than 5 percent. "Fish oils with low EPA and DHA content, can’t be claimed as supplemental sources of EPA and DHA. Regulations governing the importation of fish oil, have not even discussed the importance of testing and stipulation of fish oil quality standards, "he said. The statement was presented in his scientific oration on " Kemandirian Minyak Ikan Nasional : Strategi Pencapaian dan Program Prioritas (Self Supporting National Fish Oil: Strategy for the Achievement and Priority Program)" at the Auditorium Andi Hakim Nasoetion, IPB Campus, Dramaga, Bogor, on 20 January 2018.
In addition to its low EPA and DHA contents, the quality of oxidation (primary and secondary) and its essential fatty acid content are also poorly considered. So the phenomenon of "junk fish oil" which is left untouched of its potential to harm domestic consumers both in terms of economy and health.
"It is necessary to monitor the capsule form of fish oil on the market. Fish oil, whether in liquid or capsule form, has two essential omega-3 fatty acids — DHA and EPA — which may provide numerous benefits. As not all imported fish oil is worth consuming. I took 20 samples of imported fish oil (not yet expired) in some places in Java and analysed them. The research study found that these types of capsules have statistically higher levels of oxidation, an indicator of poor oil quality. When fatty acids are oxidised, toxic substances (such as peroxides, aldehydes, and ketones) are formed. Moreover, very small minority of people have allergic reactions to the gel capsule, which is made from the same substance as gelatin. Many gel capsules are made from body parts of pigs and cows, making them non-kosher and off limits for certain groups," he explained.
Prof. Sugeng said that EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fats because they contain 6 and 5 double carbon bonds on their long structural chain. Because of the double carbon bonds, fish oil is more unstable and prone to oxidation when subjected to light or high heat during storage. the fish oil contains six double bonds that are vulnerable to light or heat. This total oxidation becomes the benchmark for the feasibility of the fish oil. The production must be based on the recommendation of World Health Organization (WHO). High consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers.
Originally, the residue was used as fertilizer, but since the turn of the 20th century, the oil leftovers have been dried and ground into fish meal for animal feeding. the local fish oil sold for animal feed also has an unclear omega-3 content. Fish oil for animal feed is usually called sardines contains 15 percent of omega-3 fatty acids, whereas the original is only 8 percent. Usually they are mixed with cooking oil.
So far no innovation for local fish oil processing technology has caused Indonesia to loss of 3.8 billion rupiah per month. The production of Indonesian fish oil is for animal feed. Fishmeal and fish oil are produced mainly from sustainably managed stocks of fish for which there is little or no demand for human consumption. Animal feed components cover maize, oil cake from soybean, fish meal and cassava. The fish oil production in Indonesia 90 percent for animal feed.
Prof. Sugeng and his team developed the best formula to process fish into omega-3 fatty acids. One kilogram of fish costs 20 thousand rupiah, by using this formula, Prof. Sugeng will process such fish into fish oil worth 24 million rupiah. (Wied)
