We all know that it can be difficult to take or get your child to take all of his/her supplements. Through trial and error, we are offering a few suggestions to hide certain supplements in different foods and drinks and we hope these suggestions will help!
When beginning a new supplement regimen, it is best to begin it slowly and work up to a full dosage. For example, if 3 capsules are recommended twice a day, then start with 1 capsule twice a day. In two days begin 2 capsules twice a day. In three days begin 3 capsules twice a day. Then after a week begin your next supplement utilizing this same protocol until all supplements are being taken.
The best way to take your supplements (supplements, vitamins, enzymes) is planning to take them. If you plan them within your day, you are more apt to remember them. If you forget them, do not try and play catch up. Simply start where you are on your planner and move forward. We all forget. Unless noted, there will not be any significant side effect from supplements. The most common side effect is nausea which is usually due to taking a supplement on an empty stomach when it is advised to take with food. We have found taking it on a full stomach works best unless otherwise directed.
Keep in mind the Metabolic Enzymes and some supplements are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. This does not exclude the items below, simply use a small portion.
For example, you can use a couple of tablespoons of smoothies or baby food.
The top recommendation for caring for your supplements, enzymes, and/or vitamins is to keep them dry, unless specifically noted, heat will not affect them.
NOTE: Do not store supplements in a bathroom, vitamins will become dark and may develop brown spots. It is best to keep them in a cool dry place out of the sunlight with the lid closed tightly away from moisture. If it gets extremely humid, putting the bottle in a zip lock plastic bag helps keep moisture out.
1. The best way to give supplements is in a fruit smoothie. Empty the supplement capsules into a finished smoothie and stir.
It is often recommend to try grape juice since it has such a strong flavor it can mask most supplements.
2. Use honey ( not recommended for children under 2 years of age) nut butters or peanut butter to hide supplements.
3. Empty the powder in the capsules into your child’s juice or if they are tasteless you can add them to water. Some choose to use a plastic syringe to put directly into child's mouth.
4. Baby Food (Stage 1) Fruit servings are perfect to empty your child’s capsules into because some of them have a texture to them. Also it gives your child a serving of fruit. Be careful that the Baby Food (Stage 1 or homemade) fruit is all fruit and no additives. Prunes are an excellent supplement provider. Experiment with room temperature or refrigerated fruit. Refrigeration enhances the flavor and breaks down the supplements well. However, if you or your child prefers room temperature then allow it to sit a little longer for the supplements to break down.
5. Learn or teach your child to swallow a pill or tablet whole. It takes a while but it makes giving all those supplements a lot easier.
6. Mix the non-heat sensitive supplements into cooked eggs.
7. Mix supplements with a serving of protein powder mixed with water.
8. Be selective when using food items. You do not want to deter your child from trying or eating regular food. (I.e. potatoes, etc...) Use food items that are specifically used for supplements and hide strong tasting supplements. It is some times recommended to use digestive enzymes when using food.
