Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that the body can't make on its own. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that these acids are found in salmon and tuna. Providing a child with a fish oil supplement can improve cognitive and behavioral functioning, including memory. Children should only be given a fish oil supplement under the advice of a health care professional. Because fish oil is derived from fish, as the name implies, the taste and texture can be rather unpleasant to a child. There are ways to hide or mask the flavor.
Step 1
Measure out the appropriate fish oil dose. This amount depends on the age of the child and should be obtained from a qualified health professional. An overdose can be dangerous.
Step 2
Pour the fish oil over a toasted waffle at breakfast and add syrup to taste. The sweetness and texture of the syrup can hide the fish oil.
Step 3
Mix the measured amount of fish oil into a small glass of orange juice instead of pouring it over the waffle. It is best to offer the fish oil in a very small amount of juice so the child is sure to drink it entirely and receive the full dose.
Step 4
Mix the oil into other food items if orange juice or waffles don't work. Other good choices include peanut butter, fruit smoothies and any other cold or room-temperature foods. Fish oil should not be heated or used as a cooking oil.
Tips and Warnings
- Various kid-friendly supplements are available on the market. If traditional fish oil is too unpleasant for a child, try gummy supplements, flavored oils or squeezable fish oil treats. Be sure to check the label on such supplements to understand the ingredients. Offer salmon, tuna or mackerel once or twice a week in place of the supplement if your child will eat fish.
- Look for supplements that have been tested for mercury levels. Many fish contain some amount of mercury but high levels can be dangerous for children. Obtain a professional supplement recommendation from a health care provider or pharmacist.
Things You'll Need
- Fish oil
- Measuring spoon
- Syrup
- Waffle
- Orange juice
- Peanut butter
- Bread
- Fruit
- Milk
- Yogurt
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