Those who are breastfeeding and children under 3 years in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde can get free vitamin D supplements.
Why is Vitamin D important?
Vitamin D is needed to support bone and muscle health. Our main source of vitamin D is sunlight. In Scotland, we only get right kind of sunlight for our bodies to make vitamin D from April to September. Our bodies may find it difficult to make vitamin D, for reasons such as, covering up, using sunscreen, how long we spend outside and cloud cover.
From October to March, we are unable to make vitamin D from sunlight and need to find another way to get vitamin D. Food options naturally containing vitamin D is limited which is why we recommend everyone should take a vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter. Vitamin D supplements are available to buy from your local pharmacy and supermarket.
National Recommendations
- All those who are pregnant and breastfeeding should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
- Breastfed babies from birth – 1 year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 – 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
- Formula-fed babies should not be given a vitamin D supplement until they are having less than 500ml (about 1 pint) of infant formula a day. This is because infant formula contains added vitamin D.
- All children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
Scottish Government website provides advice on vitamin D for all ages.
About the free Vitamin D supplement
Vitamin D supplements can be collected at your local pharmacy by asking at the counter.
Children vitamin D drops
1 drop a day is all your baby/infant needs.
Directions for use:
1. Shake bottle before use.
2. Squeeze 1 drop onto a clean spoon or to food or drink and offer to infant or toddler.
Vitamin D tablets for those who are breastfeeding
1 bottle contains 120 tablets
Directions for use:
Take 1 tablet per day, with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Swallow with water or a cold drink.
How to access Vitamin D supplements
- Pregnant women are provided Healthy Start vitamins containing vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid at antenatal clinics.
- Breastfeeders and breastfed babies will get vitamin D tablets (for breastfeeders) and drops (for baby) on the maternity ward before going home. This provides a 4-month supply. More can be collected for free from your local community pharmacy.
- Vitamin D drops for all children under three years old are available for free your local pharmacy. Formula fed babies should not be given vitamin D supplement until they are having less than 500ml (about 1 pint) of infant formula every day. This is because infant formula contains added vitamin D.
For more information, speak to your Midwife, Health Visitor or Pharmacist.
If you are looking for more information Vitamin D and You leaflet covers the benefits of Vitamin D as part of a healthy diet.
Other Support
Useful resources
Ready Steady Baby! Your guide to:
- pregnancy
- labour and birth
- early parenthood
Visit: www.nhsinform.scot/readysteadybaby
For parenting hints, tips and tricks Visit: www.parentclub.scot/
Fun First Foods This booklet gives information on the different stages of weaning with tips, advice and recipes.
Starting Solids – this page provides lots of useful information and support on introducing solids (weaning) to your baby.
You might be entitled to Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant. Best Start food is prepaid card that you can use to buy healthy foods for children under 3 years. Best Start Grant are three cash payment; pregnancy and baby, early learning and school aged payments. Visit: www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods