Babies Vitamin Drops
Healthy Start Vitamin Drops are available free to families for children aged under 4 years.
It is recommended they have a daily supplement of 8.5-10 micrograms of vitamin D to help them develop healthy bones. Babies who are breastfeeding (or taking less than 500ml infant formula per day) will be offered free vitamin D drops (containing 10 micrograms) to take daily. Babies taking 500ml or more of infant formula per day do not require additional vitamin D supplements as infant formula has vitamin D added to it.
Vitamin D drops should be given to babies from a clean spoon as per guidance, not directly from the pipette.
As your child gets older
Vitamin D drops
Children up to 3 years will be offered free vitamin D drops, provided they are not taking any infant formula (or if still taking infant formula, this must be less than 500ml per day). Vitamin D drops will be given to you by your health visitor/family nurse at your routine appointments. If you need more supplies of vitamin D and are not due a home visit or appointment, please contact your health visitor/family nurse.
Why is vitamin D important for children?
Children aged under 5 years are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and should take a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Without enough vitamin D, children can be at risk of developing rickets, which causes weak and badly formed bones.
What about older children?
Vitamin D, or multivitamins containing vitamin D, can be purchased for older children in pharmacies and supermarkets. There is no need to buy expensive vitamins. The main thing to look out for is getting the correct dose of vitamin D, which is 10 micrograms.
Higher doses of vitamin D
For most people 10 micrograms per day of vitamin D will be enough. High doses of vitamin D should be avoided by adults and children unless recommended by your GP.
Information on maximum doses can be found at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
Some vitamin supplements may state the dose in micrograms or international units. 10 micrograms is equal to 400 international units.
Where to get vitamin D drops
Vitamin Drops can be collected from your health visitor, GP practice, health centre or clinic, public library, sports centre, nursery/croileagan or by contacting the Health Promotion Department on 01851 762017 or emailing: wi.hpadmin@nhs.scot