Vitamin D guidance
Vitamin D guidance
In relation to infants and young children, the UK Department of Health and Social Care recommends the following:2
- Breastfed babies from birth to one year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5-10µg of vitamin D
- Children aged one to four years old should be given a 10µg daily supplement of vitamin D
- Infants and young children do not need vitamin D supplements if they are having 500ml (about a pint) or more of formula a day, as it is fortified with vitamin D.
Reflection exercise
Do you speak to your pregnant and breastfeeding customers to check they are spending enough time outdoors during the summer months? If they aren't, they may not be getting enough vitamin D all year round.
Adults and children aged 5 and over (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) are advised to consider taking a daily supplement containing 10µg of vitamin D during the autumn and winter, as the sun isn’t strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. From late March to the end of September, most people should get enough vitamin D from sunlight and eating a balanced diet so may choose not to take supplements.
You can remind customers that certain women and children will qualify for free supplements under the Government's Healthy Start Scheme.