Vitamin D



Normally October -April each year we are advising adults and children over 1 year take a daily supplement of Vitamin D to maintain healthy levels.
Vitamin D helps to control the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies. Both are needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Vitamin D is found naturally in a small number of foods, including oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks. It's also found in fortified foods like breakfast cereals and fat spreads.
However, it's difficult for us to get the recommended amount of vitamin D from food alone.
Our main source of vitamin D is from the action of sunlight on our skin.
At present, due to the Stay at Home advice, you may not be getting enough vitamin D from sunlight if you’re indoors most of the day.
There have been some news reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus. However, there is no evidence that this is the case.


As a precaution, all babies under one year should have a daily 8.5-10mcg vitamin D supplement to make sure they get enough. However, babies who have more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day don't need a vitamin D supplement as formula is already fortified.



You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) in many shops, including pharmacies and supermarkets.
Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing the recommended amounts of vitamin D.
Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk to check if you qualify

Do not buy more vitamin D than you need

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