Vitamin D is essential for health bones, teeth and muscles
It recommended that everyone over one year of age should take a 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplement daily including pregnant mothers.
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. Visit the UNICEF website to read more.
Forumla fed babies
Babies who are formula fed do not require vitamin D supplement 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 or speak to your health visitor / nursery nurse.
Where can I get Vitamin D?
You can buy Vitamin D supplements from most supermarkets and pharmacies.
Where can I get Healthy Start vitamins?
Healthy Start vitamins are available to buy or exchange with vouchers at family centres across Surrey. Please ask your health visitor for more information.