10 Best Fish Oil for Kids Reviewed in 2024
As hard as we try to get all of our needed vitamins and nutrients from our foods each day, we usually do not get the amount that we need to function and develop properly. This is even more so for children that must grow in their rapidly-moving developmental years. We all need health supplements to give us the nutrients and vitamins that we lack each day. Fatty acids from omega-3s are some of those nutrients that are required for proper development and functioning of the brain, moods, joints, vision, skin, and heart. These are not produced by the body and must be obtained daily. The liquids can be mixed in with beverages or foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, and smoothies. Some of the wonderful flavors are bubblegum, lemon crème, blue raspberry, cherry, lemonade, and strawberry. Behold, the best fish oils for kids in 2019!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 33 hrs of research
Will not make kids burp
Has a triple absorption rate than other fish oils
Can be mixed in with foods and beverages
Only one teaspoon daily is needed for a full dosage
Made from the oils of sardines, anchovies, and/or mackerel
- Barlean's Omega Pals Chirpin' Slurpin
- Nordic Naturals Children's DHA 4
- Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Omega-3
- OLLY Super Brainy Blue Raspberry
- Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior
- Coromega
- SmartyPants Kids Gummies
- Feel Great 365 Complete DHA Gummies
- Carlson The Very Finest Lemon
- Carlson's Bubble Gum 550 mg
10 Best Fish Oil for Kids Reviewed
1. Barlean's Omega Pals Chirpin' Slurpin
Will not make kids burp
Has a triple absorption rate than other fish oils
Can be mixed in with foods and beverages
Only one teaspoon daily is needed for a full dosage
Made from the oils of sardines, anchovies, and/or mackerel
Is not organic
Does leave a lemon aftertaste
We feature two fish oil supplements in this buying guide from Barlean’s. They both have the highest ratings from customers over the other items listed. Kids really love the taste and parents love the added benefits for healthy growth and development. The Omega Pals Fish Oil in the Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade flavor will not make kids burp and has a triple absorption rate higher than softgels or other fish oils.
Read moreKids will love the taste of this amazing fish oil that is best taken straight from a spoon. It can be mixed in with oatmeal, yogurt, juice, beverages, or cottage cheese, as only one teaspoon daily is needed for a full dosage. It does not contain added sugar, gluten, GMOs, or artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, plus does not come from fish tainted by heavy metals or mercury.
Ingredients
Plenty of unnecessary extras were left out of this health supplement. It does not have added sugars, GMOs, gluten, or anything artificial to take away from the goodness of the beneficial fish oil.
Brand
Barlean's is a trust-wordy brand that made sure this incredible item has 540mg per serving of DHA and EPA essential omega-3s. Their fish oil is ultra-purified and made from the oils of sardines, anchovies, and/or mackerel.
Flavors
The fishy taste is the biggest problem with kids taking fatty acids found in omega-3s. This fantastic product from Barlean’s has a great lemony taste that kids will love.
Price Range
This outstanding fish oil has a below-average price. It derives its value from the great lemon taste, the combination of essential fish oils, and having a high rate of absorption.
2. Nordic Naturals Children's DHA 4
Offered in three different bottle sizes
Has a natural delicious strawberry taste
Is third-party tested and certified
Made from 100% wild-caught Arctic cod
Has no fishy smell or bad aftertaste
Hard for some kids to swallow
Did leave an aftertaste for a few buyers
Offered in different bottle sizes, Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA is made from artic gold-standard oil from codfish. You can add it to juice or food to make swallowing easy. It is in the form of triglyceride molecular as it is found in fish naturally.
Read moreThe body absorbs this form best, and this great item has a naturally delicious strawberry taste. It promotes the healthy development of the nervous system and brain and has no fishy smell or bad aftertaste.
Ingredients
This terrific fish oil is third-party tested and certified for heavy metals and environmental toxins, as it is made from 100% wild-caught Arctic cod. All the ingredients are carefully selected.
Brand
With just a teaspoonful of this impressive fish oil, children will get the added nutrition of the essential fatty acids from omega-3s. Nordic Naturals knows they need this for proper development and growth.
Flavors
With the terrific strawberry flavor of this great supplement, kids will want to take their dose every day. They will really like it added to other things they eat or drink too.
Price Range
Having a below-average cost, this wonderful fish oil supplement has the superb qualities of a delicious strawberry flavor, the versatility to be added to foods and beverages, and coming from pure wild-caught Arctic fish.
3. Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Omega-3
Free from GMOs, gluten, sugar, and artificial ingredients
Will not make children burp the flavor
Is a favorite taste for kids of lemon crème
Will absorb three times faster than other fish oils
Has a creamy texture and not an oily one
Is not organic
Product size was unexpectedly smaller said some people
Made with fish oil that is ultra-purified and free from heavy metals and mercury, Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Omega-3 Fish Oil will not make children burp the flavor. It can be taken as it is with a spoon or put in foods such as oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt. Free from GMOs, gluten, sugar, and artificial ingredients and colors, this wonderful product has a favorite taste for kids of lemon crème that taste like a lemon pie with meringue.
Read moreIt will absorb three times faster than other fish oils and has a creamy texture and not an oily one. Kids will only taste the added fruit flavor and not the fish oil. Barlean’s also makes this great product in mango-peach, Pina Colada, and lemon zest flavors.
Ingredients
The purity of the fish is guaranteed, and the oil is emulsified to make the fatty acids more absorbable in the body. This fish oil can also be frozen mixed in with other ingredients for enjoyable popsicles.
Brand
Most fish oil supplements have an oily texture because it is after all oil. However, this manufacturer went the extra step to make their great product creamy, so kids will like it better.
Flavors
You should have no problem getting your child to take their omega-3s every day with this lemon crème-flavored item. It is best taken straight on a spoon but can be mixed in with foods for those that prefer that method.
Price Range
With an above-average price, this Barlean’s fish oil has a terrific lemon crème flavor, will not make kids burp and relive the flavor, and is absorbed three times quicker than other oils on the market.
4. OLLY Super Brainy Blue Raspberry
Is a mix of Choline, DHA omega-3, and wild blueberry
Terrific for healthy brain function and development
Has vibrant colors and delicious flavors
In the form of fun to chew gummies
Made with only natural flavors and colors
Some children did not like the taste
A few people received melted product
Terrific for healthy brain function and development, the OLLY Kids Super Brainy Omega Gummy Supplement is a special blend of choline, DHA omega-3, and wild blueberry. It has vibrant colors and delicious flavors because it is made from natural sources. Great for kids two-years-old and older.
Read moreKids do not like to swallow medicines or things that they know are good for them. With the healthy fish oil put in a gummy form, they will want to take this supplement because it is fun and easy to chew.
Ingredients
This gluten-free item is a container of fifty gummies that is a supply for twenty-five days. In the form of fun to chew gummies, they are made with only natural flavors and colors and sweetened lightly and naturally.
Brand
While many manufacturers add some really good flavors to their fish oils, so kids will like them, this supplier uses the natural flavor of wild blueberries that are nutritional as well.
Flavors
Everyone enjoys the taste of berries especially kids! The wild blueberry is a super food that has powerful phytonutrients, and choline is beneficial for critical thinkers, as it supports brain activity.
Price Range
This great item has a below-average cost. It is valued for the easy to take gummy form, the delicious blueberry flavor, and all-natural ingredients that are so beneficial for kids
5. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior
Is an easy-to-take softgel that is chewable
Supports the nervous system, brain, and mood
Has a delicious natural flavor of strawberries
Absorbs quickly and easily with great results
Includes deep sea purified fish oil
A couple of kids thought these were too big
Might not be a chewable that kids like
This Nordic Naturals item is an easy-to-take softgel for kids that is chewable. Ultimate Omega Junior supports the nervous system, brain, and mood and has a delicious natural flavor of strawberries.
Read moreIf your child does like to swallow a spoonful of medicine or does not care for the gummy form of omega-3s, then give these softgels a try. It may be just the consistency that your kid will tolerate.
Ingredients
This product absorbs quickly and easily with great results and is perfect for kids aged five-years-old to the teen years. This fabulous item includes deep-sea purified fish oil from sardines and anchovies.
Brand
Nordic Naturals knows that kids love to chew candies, which is what these softgels resemble. They will not mind taking them and might even look forward to getting them each day. They only need two per day for the correct dosage.
Flavors
Strawberry is a universal kid favorite flavor. Children will probably eat or drink anything that has this ideal flavor. This Nordic Naturals product has taken this superb taste and blended it with their high-quality fish oil.
Price Range
This is the most expensive fish oil product on this list. It has the wonderful features of absorbing quickly into the body, being an easy chewable form, and having a natural strawberry flavor.
6. Coromega
Up to three times more effective absorption than competitors
Easy to swallow; comes as liquid in a squeeze-pack
Only need to take one a day
Can be consumed with or without food
Orange flavor; no fishy aftertaste or burps
Not all kids like the flavor
Ingredients are identical to adult packets but kids’ packets are more expensive
Coromega’s Kids’ Omega-3 Pack is a fish oil supplement with a twist. Instead of the usual vitamin or soft gel capsule, this comes in a squeeze-pack. You get 30 squeeze-packs per box. The supplement can be eaten alone or used in smoothies, applesauce, or even as an ice cream topping! There’s 650 mg of Omega-3 goodness in each pack and Vitamin D as well. If you have kids that can’t quite swallow a pill or complain about the chalky consistency of chewy tablets, this may be just what your family needs!
Read moreIngredients
Each squeeze packet contains 2000 mg of fish oil. Roughly 650 mg of that makes up the Omega-3 faction and there’s an additional 350 mg of EPA and 230 mg of DHA. There are 20 calories in each packet, 2 grams of fat, and 25 mg of Cholesterol. You’ll also find 12 mg of Vitamin C, 200 IU of Vitamin D3, and 3 IU of Vitamin E. The addition of a little Stevia extract (10 mg) helps make this naturally sweet.
Brand
Coromega is almost strictly an Omega-3 Supplement company. You’ll find adult supplements on their page as well as Omega-3 gummies for kids. Many of their supplements are sold in liquid form as opposed to the traditional powder or capsule format. It may seem a little odd that this brand is selling you liquid in a tube instead of a capsule or soft gels but their emulsification formula results in absorption up to three times the usual rate.
Flavors
This particular squeeze pack set comes in Tropical Orange flavor. They don’t appear to have other flavored liquids for children but there is a gummy option on their page as well that come in Orange, Lemon, and Strawberry Banana flavors. All of their supplements can be taken with or without food; you don’t have to worry about nausea with these.
Price Range
To calculate the average of this, we’ve looked at the price per unit and compared it to the price per unit/serving of other items on the list. Coromega’s Squeeze Packs come in just below the average. Some of the other options here seem less expensive initially but you’ll find that when you look at serving information, you’re getting less servings than you are in this package.
7. SmartyPants Kids Gummies
Great fruit taste
All-natural sweeteners; no artificial additives
Lots of vitamins in addition to Omega-3’s
Easy to chew and swallow
High amount of B12 may increase hyperactivity in some children
Kids love gummies. If getting your child to take their vitamins is a chore, gummy supplements are a great alternative! (We even know plenty of adults who prefer their nutrients this way.) SmartyPants Kids’ Gummies include Omega-3’s, an immunity boost, and Vitamin K to build strong bones. The gummies measure less than an inch so they’re easy to chew and swallow, plus they come in delicious fruit flavors!
Read moreIngredients
Each serving is four gummies (for children ages four and over). This includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Iodine, Zinc, Sodium, Vitamin K2, Inositol FCC, and Fish Oil. The breakdown of the Fish Oil is 100 mg of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in total, with 56 mg of EPA and 44 mg of DHA.
Brand
SmartyPants Vitamins specializes in supplements for kids, teens, and adults. They even have supplements for animals! A group of parents founded the company in 2011. Their mission is “to simplify health without sacrificing quality.”
Flavors
SmartyPants derives sweetness from all-natural sources such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, and spices. These gummies are all fruit-flavored and this particular pack looks to feature citrus with one additional option (likely cherry or strawberry).
Price Range
These are around the average for the guide. There are 120 gummies total but each suggested serving is 4 gummies, so that’s only 30 servings in total. If you’re worried about budget, you might do better to buy the adult pack and just do the math on the difference in serving size for kids.
8. Feel Great 365 Complete DHA Gummies
Provides omegas 3, 6, 9 and DHA
Is vegan and free of dairy, GMOs, and gluten
Supports vision, brain, and heart health
Includes coconut oil, chia, and algae
Great for kids two-years-old and older
Has some sugar ingredients that parents do not like
A few kids would not take these on account of the taste
The Complete DHA Gummies for Kids by Feel Great 365 have the excellent flavors of orange and lemon. This superb product provides omegas 3, 6, 9 and DHA in a fun gummy form that is vegan and free of dairy, GMOs, and gluten.
Read moreIt supports vision, brain, and heart health and includes coconut oil, chia, and algae ingredients for added essentials. This wonderful item is great for kids two-years-old and older and is loved by parents for its simple form and high health benefits.
Ingredients
This fantastic fish oil supplement boasts having several omegas not mentioned in other similar products. It has the usual DHA, but also the omegas of 3,6, and 9 as well.
Brand
It is always amazing to meet a responsible brand like Feel Great 365 that made sure their product is completely vegan, without GMO, dairy or gluten, yet their supplements are still fun and accepted by children.
Flavors
Children will love these lemon and orange gummies because of the marvelous flavors and the fun to eat chewy shapes. They will unknowingly be enhancing their body health and development.
Price Range
The price is average for these DHA gummies. They derive their great value from supporting three bodily functions, containing three of the omegas and DHA, and having two loved fruit flavors.
9. Carlson The Very Finest Lemon
Contains DHA and EPA essential fatty acids
Is the most potent and purest fish oil
Has a great tasting lemon flavor
Is managed closely from the sea to the store
Tested by an FDA-approved laboratory
Oil was thin according to a few parents
The taste was not good for some kids
Carlson Kid’s Lemon Norwegian Finest Fish Oil has 800mg of omega-3s in each teaspoonful of this beneficial oil and has a great lemon flavor that children will love. It contains DHA and EPA essential fatty acids for brain and heart functions and is the most potent and purest fish oil on the market today says the manufacturer.
Read moreTested by an FDA-approved laboratory for purity, potency, and freshness, this amazing fish oil is managed closely from the sea to the store for great quality. It is from sustainably-sourced and wild-caught fish in unpolluted deep waters for the absolute best-sourced supplement product.
Ingredients
Only the purest fish were processed for this fish oil product. They are wild-caught from ocean waters where they are freshly caught and quickly managed into the superior final product.
Brand
Carlson are a well know brand that has a special supplement line for children, as well as for adults. They make sure their supplements are made from the purest ingredients in order to deliver high quality products.
Flavors
With a nice lemon flavor, this essential omega-3 supplement can be added into drinks to make them easier for kids to take and swallow. It is great by itself from a spoon too.
Price Range
With an average cost, this splendid fish oil from Carlson has a great lemon taste, is made from only the best wild-caught deep-water fish and is well-managed for freshness and high-quality.
10. Carlson's Bubble Gum 550 mg
Supports the brain, heart, joint, and vision health
Contains the beneficial DHA and EPA omega-3s
From sustainably-sourced and wild-caught fish
Has the delicious flavor of bubble gum
Is certified by International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS)
The taste was not liked by a few kids
Some parents did not see any positive results from using it
This wonderful supplement supports the brain, heart, joint, and vision health. Carlson’s Kid’s Cod Liver Oil contains the beneficial DHA and EPA omega-3s and has the delicious flavor of bubble gum that kids will like. It has 550mg of the essential omega-3s in one teaspoonful of this award-winning product for superb taste.
Read moreThis great product is certified by the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program that tests for potency, freshness, and purity in fish oils. If you don’t think that your child will like the usual lemon flavors of liquid fish oil supplements, then give this bubble gum flavored item a try.
Ingredients
This terrific oil is from sustainably-sourced and wild-caught fish in unpolluted deep waters. It comes from Arctic cod caught off the Norwegian coast and is FDA-registered and tested by an independent laboratory.
Brand
Only the oil from Arctic cod in Norway goes into this fabulous oil for kids. Wild-caught fish is always better than farm-raised because they will have all of the beneficial properties that is needed for human growth and functioning.
Flavors
This terrific fish oil has the most interesting taste! All kids love bubble gum flavor, so they should want to take this supplement regularly to get in their healthy doses of omega-3s.
Price Range
The price for this great fish oil is above-average. It derives its value from the terrific bubble gum flavor, containing the omega-3s of DHA and EPA, and being IFOS-certified and FDA-registered.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ingredients
The sources for these fatty acids are usually fish oils such as tuna, cod, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. Manufacturers have understood this critical need for children to get these omega-3s and have created forms of this much-needed supplement that kids will like. We feature in this informative buying guide the best-rated and most-reviewed of these fish oils for kids that are most-loved by children and their parents. These are in the forms of liquids, soft gels, and gummies in some of the most delicious flavors that children adore. We hope that you can find the perfect fish oil for your child in this reliable buying guide that is packed with information on each product listed. We are happy to spotlight these “best of the best” items for your shopping pleasure.
Brand
These are the best-rated and the most-reviewed fish oil products for kids currently online and purchased by customers. They overwhelmingly love these listed items and would purchase them again. We hope to arm you with all of the essential knowledge needed in order to make the most intelligent purchase for you and your family. In our summary sections, you have all of the product information from manufacturers and reliable feedback from buyers. The fish oil with the most reviews is Nordic Natural Children’s DHA (the liquid form). There are two products tied for the best rating. These are the two Barlean’s items. One is a lemonade flavor and the other is the lemon crème. Customers really loved these items and gave them high ratings.
Flavors
Finding the type and flavor that your child will like might take purchasing a few kinds and trying them out. It is worth the search because of the added health benefits for the child. The fun exciting flavors of these supplements are quite interesting. There is bubblegum, lemon crème, lemonade, blue raspberry, orange, lemon, strawberry, strawberry lemonade, and cherry. Getting your child to take one of these ideal products regularly is just a matter of finding the form and flavor that they like best. It may take purchasing a few different products to find that perfect one, but it is worth the effort. You are getting them used to a lifetime of additional fatty acids from omega-3s that our bodies do not create, and we do not usually get from our foods.
Price Range
It is very important to invest in a high-quality product when it comes to supplements for your child. To give you a general idea of each product’s cost in comparison to the others in this list, we figure an average of all items. Using this to compare each price, we can then tell you if the product is average, below-average, or above-average in cost. we do not state specific prices because these frequently change online and we do not want to give you false information. We also let you know the great features or qualities of the items in their Cost and Value section that make the product worthy of the price being asked. The highest-price item in this category is the Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior, and the least in cost is the Nature Made Kids Gummies. Prices do not vary much in this price range, as the costs are fairly in line with each other.
Studies have shown that kids that are taking medicines for ADHD can be further helped in school performance with one of these fish oil supplements. The American Heart Association states that we all need at least a few servings of fatty fish every week. The best way to get this if fish is not a favorite food is with one of these supplements for your child.
Not only does fish oil helps with improved attention spams but it is also known that it could help reduce asthma symptoms, allergy risks, inflammation, depression and mood swings. Recent studies claim that it has helped with building a better bone structure and the overall physical health of your little one. It has so many health benefits that it's no wonder that many pediatricians advice daily intake for further child development.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
The doses are measured for children as daily supplements for added brain, vision, and heart health. They only need to take one teaspoon of the liquids or one or two of the gummies or soft gels for their recommended daily allowance of these essential fatty acids from omega-3s. it is hoped that by taking these fish oil supplements, children will adhere to a regular regimen of taking their addition of fish oil daily for continued good health.
Taste
These fish oil supplements are in the forms of gummies, soft gels, and liquids to make them simple and quick for kids to swallow. They will see the gummies and soft gels as candy, so these would probably be best for very young kids. Older children may tolerate the liquids either by spoon or mixed in with beverages and foods. These great products are meant to be hassle-free and welcomed by kids that are okay with the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What is EPA and DHA in these oils?
EPA is the omega-3 that supports mood health, cardiovascular system development, and immune function. DHA is the omega-3 that supports vision function, brain health, and neurological system development and health. Combined they are some of the most essential omega-3s that your child’s body needs. Adults need these same nutrients but in larger quantities.
q: Are there any side effects to children taking fish oil as a supplement?
Fish oil is considered safe for kids and adults to take. Some side effects could include bad breath, a fishy aftertaste, loose stools, nausea, or a rash. These are not common problems of taking fish oils.
q: Is it true that kids with ADHD can benefit from taking fish oil?
Studies have shown that children already taking medications for ADHD could be helped by adding an omega-3 supplement. Just taken by itself without the ADHD medication did not give any progressive results. When school-aged kids took omega-3 supplements regularly, reduce symptoms were noticed and school performance was improved.
q: Why do the fatty acids of omega-3 help the body?
Quite simply, they help the body function much better and aid in generating the new growth of cells. Because our body does not make this substance by itself, we must get it in our diet. Foods that include these fatty acids are fatty fish and shellfish. This fatty acid is also in seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils too. Omega-3s aid in brain development and function, especially memory and learning. Studies show that by increasing the number of fatty acids from omega-3s for school kids, they can improve their performance at school.
q: Is it better to go with the liquid, gummies, or soft gels of this supplement for kids? How do you decide?
You will probably have to purchase several kinds before you actually settle on one particular brand or form of fish oil supplement. It depends on the child as to which one they prefer. If they will take the liquid form, then that would be great. It is a liquid and is easily absorbed into the body quickly. The soft gels and gummies are easy for kids, as they see these like candies. The body will need to liquify these for use, especially if the child does not chew them thoroughly. If you buy one and the child will not take it, don’t give up. Try another brand and form until you hit on one that they will accept. The added benefits are worth it.
q: Can these supplements, the liquid ones, be mixed in with foods or drinks to help kids take them?
Yes, they can be put in beverages or in yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, or ice cream. The liquid form is the most accessible to the body quickly, as the others need to be broken down some for the body to use them.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Omega-3 supplements for children — what does the research show?, Q & A ,
- Do Kids Need Omega 3 Fats, Online Article ,
- Should Children Take Fish Oil?, Online Article ,