Vitamin D for breastfeeding women and young children
All breastfeeding women and children under three years old in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde can now get free vitamin D supplements. This is a new Scottish Government scheme which has replaced Healthy Start children’s vitamins.
- Breastfeeding women and breastfed babies will be given the first pot of vitamin D tablets (for women) and drops (for baby) on the maternity ward before going home. This provides a four months supply and more can be collected free from your local community pharmacy.
- Vitamin D drops for all children under three years old are available free at all community pharmacies. Formula fed babies should not be given the vitamin D supplement until they are having less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula every day. This is because infant formula contains added vitamin D.
- Pregnant women are provided Healthy Start vitamins containing vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid at antenatal clinics for the duration of pregnancy.
If you are looking for general information for the wider population this Vitamin D and You publication from Health Scotland explains the benefits of getting enough Vitamin D as part of a healthy diet.
Recommendations for vitamin D supplementation
The national recommendations for vitamin D supplementation for breastfeeding women and babies and young children are:
- All pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D
- Breastfed babies from birth to 1 year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D
- Formula-fed babies should not be given a vitamin D supplement until they are having less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as 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
Vitamin D advice for all age groups can be found on the Scottish Government website.
About the FREE vitamin D supplement
Both vitamin D supplements can be collected at your local community pharmacy by asking at the counter.
Children vitamin D drops
One bottle provides 120 doses. The dose of 1 drop contains 10 micrograms of Vit. D
Directions for use:
1. Shake bottle before use.
2. Squeeze the dose of one drop onto a clean spoon or to food or drink and offer to infant or toddler.
Vitamin D tablets for breastfeeding women
One bottle supplies 120 tablets
Directions for use:
Take one tablet per day, preferably at meal time, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Swallow with water or a cold drink