6 Cod Liver Oil Benefits For Kids | The Skinny Confidential

We are always trying to find natural ways to feel our absolute best, and then share them with the world so that everyone else can feel better, too. Natural supplements are a great way to get nutrients you may not otherwise be getting. 

But, we’re not the only ones who may be missing out on essential nutrients. We’ve got to be looking out for our kids, too. There are some great kids’ supplements out there that help the littles grow big and strong. Today, we’re going to dive deep on one in particular: cod liver oil supplements.

Cod liver oil is one of the most popular natural supplements in the country. While it’s used often by many adults as a home remedy for different health conditions, it’s also super beneficial for kids. That’s why today, we’re sharing a roundup of health benefits of cod liver oil for kids. 

6 Cod Liver Oil Benefits For Kids

Before we get into the benefits of cod liver oil for children, let’s define what cod liver oil really is. Then, we’ll dive into whether or not cod liver oil is good for kids, and the many benefits it can have as a supplement to a child’s diet.

What Is Cod Liver Oil and What Is It Good For?

Cod liver oil is oil that has been extracted from the liver of cod fish (most often Atlantic cod). It’s been the most commonly used supplement in the UK for decades. It began being used in the 19th century as a source of vitamin D, but that’s not the only nutrient this supplement is rich in. 

Today, it’s known for being a powerhouse of a supplement, as it is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This means it can play an important role in many bodily functions. Cod liver oil can support the following:

Heart health

Mental health 

Eyesight and age-related macular degeneration

Joint pain

Brian function

Healing processes

Inflammation reduction

Is Cod Liver Oil Good For Kids?

Yes! Cod liver oil can be VERY good for kids. Of course, there’s always our favorite caveat, though: TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. Or, well, their doctor. 

The thing is, there are tons of benefits of giving kids cod liver oil supplements. But, there can be risks if you’re not giving them the right dosage, or if you’re mixing them with certain other supplements. That’s why it’s always important to talk to a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen. 

There is also a risk of certain side effects, such as bad breath (with like, a fishy smell, unfortunately), upset stomach, constipation, and/or loose stool. Talking with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage may reduce the risk of these side effects occurring. 

What Are The Benefits Of Cod Liver Oil For Kids?

Boost the immune system.

Cod liver’s nutrients (vitamins A & D, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) can support a child’s immune system to be stronger and more effective. In this study, researchers found that cod liver oil supplements decreased the average number of pediatric visits for respiratory illness by 36-58% per child per month. 

Vitamin A, specifically, is involved in the development of the immune system. It also plays a regulatory role in cellular immune response, as well as humoral immune processes. Because of this, cod liver oil is a strong support for your child’s immune system.

Reduce the risk of depression.

This study found that cod liver oil users were significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms than their non-cod-liver-using counterparts, even after adjusting for other factors like gender. But, not only that: they also found that highly depressive symptoms decreased over time with increasing duration of use. So, cod liver oil may actually be an effective treatment for depression.

And, this study may tell us why. It found that cod liver oil has protective factors against oxidative stress and neuronal damage in the hippocampus. This means it could be an effective antidepressant agent by increasing neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) and providing antioxidant protection. 

Enhance cognitive function.

Cod liver oil may help your brain work better! This study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can increase learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow to the brain. Since childhood is such a crucial time for learning, this is super beneficial.

Protect their eyesight. 

Because cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and D, it can help protect your eyesight over the long term. Vitamin A specifically is helpful in maintaining the health of the cornea and retina function. Your eyes also need vitamin A to be able to adjust between light and dark environments.

Supports bone growth.

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium. Without it, the body can only absorb 10-15% of the dietarily necessary calcium, which you need for proper bone development and growth. So, cod liver oil can help you grow strong bones full of calcium like they should be.

Reduces inflammation

Cod liver is known to reduce inflammation. It can do this through multiple avenues: the antioxidant properties of its vitamins can reduce oxidative stress-related inflammation, and the omega-3 fatty acids also work to reduce inflammation in the body.

How To Get Kids To Take Cod Liver Oil

Monkey see, monkey do.

Our kids copy us sometimes more than we’d like. But, you can use your little shadow’s tendency to mimic to your advantage. 

After talking with your doctor about the correct dosage of cod liver oil for both you and your kids, you can take cod liver oil together. Since your kids want to be just like you, sharing the routine may encourage them to follow your lead and take it too.

Blend it up in a smoothie.

If your kids are a bit resistant to taking the oil, you can sneak it into one of their favorite breakfast treats: a delicious smoothie. We’ve got tons of incredible smoothie recipes available here on the blog. Check these ones out:

Energy-boosting smoothie

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cashew Movie Smoothie

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Mix it into soft foods.

If a smoothie’s not your jam, that’s okay. You can mix the oil into soft foods like applesauce or pudding as well. Whatever works best for you and your kids.

Find a flavored oil.

Some kids are just not going to be into that slightly fishy taste. And, we personally think that’s like, totally fair. Buying an oil flavored with licorice or something similar may help them be more interested in taking it.

A spoonful of sugar (aka HONEY) helps the medicine go down.

When all else fails, you can make it sweet. As Mary Poppins used to say, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” But, we’re not into giving our kids a spoonful of straight-up sugar so honey or maple syrup will do the trick just fine. 

Cod liver oil supplements can be a game-changer for your kids. 

If you’re considering giving your kids these incredible supplements, we highly recommend discussing it with their doctor first. This ensures a safe and healthy start to their cod liver oil journey. You’ll be amazed at the benefits these supplements can have on your kids’ health.

For more kids’ health on the blog, check out these articles:

How To Trick Your Kids Into Eating Healthy AF

Kids Supplement Protocol from Dr. Daryl Gioffre

Everything You Should Know About Kids Dental Care

Lauryn also likes to give her kids Hiya vitamins (use code SKINNY for 50% off your first order). On top of that, the littlest Bosstick’s love to have the last bit of Lauryn’s Cymbiotika packets. What’s your favorite kids’ supplement? Let us know below.

x, The Skinny Confidential team.

+ Check out Lauryn’s pregnancy supplements here.

++ Pack these essential supplements for your next trip.