Vitamin D and Healthy Start Scheme

Women with dark skin or those who always cover their skin when outside may be at particular risk of Vitamin D insufficiency and should consider taking a daily supplement of vitamin D all year including during pregnancy. Read more on the NHS website.

Breastfed babies

And as a precaution, breastfed babies from birth up to one year of age should also be given a supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. Read more on the UNICEF website. 

Formula-fed babies

Babies who are formula-fed do not require Vitamin D supplements if they are having 500ml per day of infant formula or more.

Why is Vitamin D important?

Vitamin D supplementation is important because we and our children are unable to get enough Vitamin D from sunlight in this country, or from diet alone. You can find out more from the NHS website, the British Dietetic Association website or speak to your Health Vsiting team.

Where can I get Vitamin D?

You can buy Vitamin D supplements from most supermarkets and pharmacies. 

The NHS Healthy Start Scheme helps those who are pregnant or have responsibility for at least one child under four years of age who are on a low income.

Families can get help to buy plain, fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, plain cow’s milk, infant formula and fresh or tinned pulses.

Beneficiaries of the scheme can also get free Healthy Start vitamins for women and children. 

The Healthy Start Scheme is an online application process replacing paper applications forms and paper vouchers.

A prepaid card can be used for purchasing healthy food and milk and to collect free Healthy Start vitamins.

Please contact your Health Visiting team for more information.