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. 2025 Sep 5;13(9):e70838.
doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70838. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Tuna Oil-Enriched Toddler Formula Enhances DHA Status in Indonesian Toddlers

Diana Sunardi  1 , Samaneh G Fard  2 , Mia Puspita Ratih  3 , Aprilia Herawati  3 , Glenn Elliott  2 , Andrew J Sinclair  4   5
Affiliations

Tuna Oil-Enriched Toddler Formula Enhances DHA Status in Indonesian Toddlers

Diana Sunardi et al. Food Sci Nutr. .

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for brain and cognitive development in toddlers; however, global intakes often fall below recommended levels. This study evaluated the bioavailability of DHA from commercial toddler formulas fortified with either microencapsulated high-DHA fish oil powder or high-DHA fish oil. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 120 healthy Indonesian toddlers aged 2-3 years. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: (A) dry-blended formula with microencapsulated high-DHA fish oil powder, (B) unfortified control formula, or (C) wet-mixed high-DHA fish oil formula. Bioavailability was assessed using both blood and fecal fatty acid levels. Both DHA-fortified formulas increased blood DHA levels, total omega-3 fatty acids, and the Omega-3 Index. However, only the microencapsulated DHA formula led to statistically significant improvements compared with the control. Apparent DHA digestibility and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for blood DHA were significantly higher in the microencapsulated DHA formula group compared with the high-DHA fish oil formula group. Adherence and intake were also highest in the microencapsulated group, possibly due to improved palatability, although sensory characteristics were not directly assessed. While improvements in DHA status were statistically significant, the overall magnitude of change was modest, and its clinical significance remains uncertain. Nonetheless, microencapsulation may offer advantages for enhancing DHA bioavailability in young children. Higher DHA dosages or longer intake durations may be needed to achieve Omega-3 Index levels exceeding 8% in populations with low baseline status.

Keywords: bioavailability; docosahexaenoic acid; fortified formulas; microencapsulation; omega‐3 fatty acids; toddler nutrition.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors S.G.F. and G.E. are employees of Nu‐Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd., a manufacturer and supplier of high DHA fish oil and microencapsulated high‐DHA fish oil powder. Nu‐Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd. provided salary support for these authors and funded the study but had no role in the analysis of blood and fecal fatty acid samples. The formulas used were purchased commercially and, based on supplier knowledge, were fortified with Nu‐Mega's high‐DHA tuna oil or microencapsulated high‐DHA tuna oil powder. Brand names are not disclosed to protect commercial confidentiality.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study flow diagram of participant screening, randomization, and completion. Group A: Dry‐blended formula with microencapsulated high‐DHA fish oil powder; Group B: Unfortified control formula; Group C: Wet‐mixed formula with high‐DHA fish oil.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Changes in whole blood DHA levels (a) and Omega‐3 Index (b) over 8 weeks across the three groups. Value expressed as mean ± SE. Groups with different letters are significantly different. Group A: Dry‐blended formula with microencapsulated high‐DHA fish oil powder; Group B: Unfortified control formula; Group C: Wet‐mixed formula with high‐DHA fish oil.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Comparison of relative bioavailability of DHA (a), apparent DHA digestibility (b), and iAUC of blood DHA (c) across the three groups. Value expressed as mean ± SE. Groups with different letters are significantly different. Group A: Dry‐blended formula with microencapsulated high‐DHA fish oil powder; Group B: Unfortified control formula; Group C: Wet‐mixed formula with high‐DHA fish oil.
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