Various fatty acids are considered to be essential to the human diet. Specifically, the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and normal growth and development. This is extremely important for toddlers and children. The body doesn't make omega-6 naturally so it must be consumed either in food or supplement form. Getting children to take omega-6 doesn't have to be difficult but it may require trying various products or mixtures of supplement and food.
Step 1
Consult your child's health care professional to determine the correct dose and to obtain personalized recommendations. Purchase a fish oil supplement that is appealing to your child, if desired.
Step 2
Involve the child in selecting the fish oil supplement. Child-friendly supplements exist in a wide variety ranging from flavored pourable oil, flavored squeezable treats, capsules and gummy chewables. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking omega-6 in a ratio of two per one dose of omega-3. Many supplements contain the two fatty acids together.
Step 3
Give the child the recommended dose of fish oil if it is a squeezable treat or gummy chewable. These supplements do have a slightly noticeable fish taste but some children don't mind it. If the child is receptive, continue with this method of supplementation. This is all that needs to be done to administer a fish oil dose in this form.
Step 4
Use pourable fish oil in place of gummy or squeezable treat methods if desired. Pour the recommended dose of fish oil into a measuring spoon. This is typically 1 tsp. but the amount depends on the child's weight, age and the supplement. Consult a health care professional for individual recommendations.
Step 5
Administer the pourable fish oil to a child by either pouring it over a peanut butter sandwich or mixing it in a small glass of orange juice. Both edible options will mask the oily texture and some of the fish flavor of the supplement. Continue using this method of administration if the child is receptive.
Tips and Warnings
- Change the child's supplement form occasionally to keep the child interested. Switch from gummy form to squeezable treat or use pourable oil whenever it can be easily masked in food or drinks.
- Always follow the specific dose recommendations given by a health care professional. There are harmful side effects of fish oil overdose and some potential drug or health condition interactions according to MedlinePlus.
Things You'll Need
- Fish oil supplement of choice
- Measuring spoon
- Peanut butter
- Bread
- Orange juice
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