Vita Docosa, IPB University Innovation Turns Tuna Eyes Waste into DHA-Rich Supplements
Tuna fish eyes, which have long been considered industrial waste, actually hold great potential as a source of nutrition. This part contains Omega-3, particularly DHA, which is highly beneficial for brain development and overall health.
Recognizing this opportunity, Professor Wini Trilaksani from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University developed the health supplement “Vita Docosa” from tuna eye extract.
Prof Wini explained that Vita Docosa is designed to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children. The presence of this supplement is expected to help reduce the stunting rate, which remains a serious issue in Indonesia.
“Vita Docosa is a health supplement made from tuna fish eye waste containing Omega-3, specifically EPA and DHA,” she said in an IPB Pedia broadcast on the IPB TV YouTube channel.
This innovation, she continued, was born out of concern over the high level of Omega-3 imports in Indonesia. Our supplement market is still flooded with foreign products, while there are almost none from within the country. Even if there are, the raw materials are also imported,” she said.
According to research, generally only 40-60 percent of tuna is utilized by the industry. The rest becomes waste, including tuna eyes. In fact, the DHA content in tuna eyes can reach 32-38 percent, much higher than imported fish such as salmon and cod, which only contain around 12-17 percent.
“This tuna eye oil no longer needs to be concentrated. With a little purification process, the DHA content can reach 40 percent,” she explained.
She added that stunting is not only a problem of short stature in children but is also related to low cognitive ability. DHA deficiency is one of the main factors.
“What we are concerned about is that stunted children will also have low cognitive abilities. This is based on research findings, one of which is due to insufficient DHA intake,” said Prof Wini.
Advantages
Vita Docosa comes with a number of advantages. In addition to being made from local ingredients and produced hygienically, this supplement is also competitively priced compared to imported products. Its contents include Omega-3 (EPA and DHA), virgin coconut oil, fish oil, and vitamin E. By consuming two capsules per day, the daily DHA requirement according to the nutritional adequacy rate (AKG) can be met.
In addition to supporting brain development, DHA is also beneficial for retinal health, maintaining heart function, aiding metabolism, and improving memory. Therefore, Vita Docosa is not only good for children, but also beneficial for all people who need optimal nutrition.
Prof Wini hopes that Vita Docosa can become an affordable alternative source of nutrition and a real solution in efforts to address stunting. “Indonesia has vast seas with abundant fisheries. We should be able to utilize local potential for the health and intelligence of the nation’s future generations,” she concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/Ard)
