Ways to Incorporate Vitamins and Supplements for ADHD Individuals with Picky Eating Habits

If you're struggling to get your child to take dietary supplements that can ease ADHD symptoms because of their taste, don't give up just yet. Our ADDitude readers have some tips and tricks to help you sneak them in.

“My 6-year-old is a super smeller and taster with texture issues. I put 1/2 teaspoon of orange sherbet-flavored fish oil in orange juice. I mix a capsule of supplements in a peanut butter and honey sandwich. I sprinkle a probiotic in a sports drink.”

Another reader suggests eating a popsicle before taking medicine or supplements to freeze the taste buds. Thick chocolate milkshakes can also help. To make them, blend milk, the powder or liquid supplement, and chocolate ice cream until no longer chunky.

You can also hide supplements in homemade waffle and pancake mix. “There are vegan alternatives to fish oil that provide omega-3 nutrients, like chia seeds and hemp. I use these in smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal,” says a reader.

If your child dislikes the taste of fish oil, try dripping the liquid from a fish oil capsule into a shot of fruit juice, then have them eat dinner to overshadow any lingering taste. “My son loves the protein café latte shakes and they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals. They also have caffeine, which I think helps him,” says another reader.

Protein powders, spinach, and hemp, flax, and chia seeds can be added to smoothies with frozen fruit and non-dairy almond or coconut milk. Parents of autistic children with gut issues have mixed laxative powder in flavored water to make it taste better.

Powdered supplements can be added to applesauce, and for those that taste bad, a juice chaser can be given afterward. Yogurt with a drizzle of honey also works for some. “I sprinkle my son’s capsules into a small spoonful of pre-made cake frosting. A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down!” says one reader.

Finally, gummies can be a great option. Liquid fish oil can also be mixed into tea with lemon and sugar.

If you found these tips helpful, consider subscribing to ADDitude to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.