Fit Tip #3

Helping Kids Get More Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eric Cressey

February 2007

The benefits of taking in Omega-3 fatty acids have been well publicized, but let’s be honest: anyone who has ever tried to convince a kid to take a Flintstones vitamin knows that pushing fish oil softgels wouldn’t exactly be an easy sell! Likewise, there aren’t many kids who enjoy eating salmon or sardines – much less at the frequency needed to adequate nourishment.

It might not be the ideal (direct fish oil is always better), but you can get some Omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and flaxseeds, both of which are great inclusions in baking recipes. Additionally, you can put in just a hint of flaxseed oil in many foods without compromising the taste (just be sure to add it after cooking; heat denatures the oil).

Also of note, several companies have incorporated Omega-3 additives for a few common kid-friendly foods. In 2007, Tropicana will release its first Omega-3 fortified orange juice, and Unilever already incorporated Omega-3s into its “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.” Still, it’s best to get these crucial fatty acids directly from food and fish oil supplements, not additives.