How to Get Kids to Take Fish Oil Capsules

Fish oils are important for developing brains, so it's important to supplement your kid’s diet with fish oil. However, always discuss this approach with your doctor. MayoClinic.com informs that "fish oil capsules should not be used in children except under the direction of a physician."  With the advent of new flavorings and varying supplemental forms of fish oil, it's getting easier to get children to take fish oil after a doctor's approval.

• Use gummy chewable omega-3 fish oil.  Gummy chewables are a great way for a kid to get fish oil because it's so much like candy.  Some varieties might still have a slightly fishy taste, so make sure the variety you buy is sweet enough to mask any fish flavor.


• Use a dosing syringe. Place it between the cheek and upper gum of the child. The medicine is far enough past the taste buds at this position so that the child will automatically swallow the supplement.  For toddlers, consider using a pacifier medicine dispenser.


• Buy a pleasant tasting form of omega-3 fish oil.  Carlson’s makes a form of Norwegian fish oil in liquid form that has a pleasant lemon taste.  Coromega makes a creamy form of fish oil that is orange flavored and sweet.  Even if these forms of fish oil aren’t perfectly masking their fishy taste with fruit flavors, you can add these to yogurt, fruit juices and ice cream to make them even more palatable.


• Purchase fish oil capsules that are combined with flaxseed oil.  Flaxseed oil can take away the fishy aftertaste of fish oil capsules and are a source of omega-3 oils.  Consider using these types of fish oil if your child complains of a fishy aftertaste or fishy burp after swallowing fish oil capsules.