The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Change in CRP Levels and the Frequency of Illness in Stunting Children Ages 12-36 Months

The main cause of children under five is stunting is lack of food and infection, the mutual relationship weakens the immune system. The great burden of infection is its effect carried into adulthood so that it has serious consequences on health, and the formation of the quality of human capital. It is known that omega-3 fatty acids can act as anti-inflammatory. Therefore, supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids is expected to control the synthesis of CRP thereby reducing the frequency of illness.The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in controlling CRP synthesis, thereby reducing the frequency of pain that is often experienced in stunting children aged 12-36 months.This research method is randomized, pre-post test control group design clinical trial. Subjects consisting of 12 children in the control group received placebo, another 12 children in the treatment group were given omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for 2 months. The parameters observed were levels of CRP and frequency of illness. Data were analyzed using t-test.The results of the study, based on observations at the beginning and end of the study, showed that only subjects in the control group CRP levels increased significantly (p less than0.05), then subjects in the treatment group frequency of illness were significantly reduced (P less than0.05) compared to controls.It was concluded that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in inhibiting CRP synthesis, thereby reducing the frequency of illness in stunting children aged 12-36 months significantly compared to the control group.Need to provide omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in toddlers stunting to improve immune response and reduce the frequency of illness.