From 1st April 2021 all breastfeeding women and children under 3 years old in NHS GGC have been eligible for a free Vitamin D supplement. Caution is required in patients receiving treatment for cardiovascular disease (see Section 4.5 – cardiac glycosides including digitalis). With over 70% of the population deficient in Vitamin D levels it is important that you supplement your diet with a high-quality D3 vitamin. Each day we are learning more about the amazing benefits of Vitamin D. A growing body of research suggests this powerful nutrient may:

Fultium-D 3 should be prescribed with caution to patients suffering from sarcoidosis because of the risk of increased metabolism of vitamin D to its active form. These patients should be monitored with regard to the calcium content in serum and urine.

Pharmacy product

This may be ideal for kids who don't like taking tablets or aren't able to swallow them, as you simply spray it into the mouth.

The specific batch of vitamin D drops being recalled is LOT 2101001. NHS Highland confirms that this has recently been distributed within the Highland Council area. The specific batch of vitamin D drops being recalled is LOT 2101001.people who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound, confined indoors for long periods or live in an institution.

The dose of one drop (10mcg Vitamin D3) daily can be administered from a clean spoon or mixed with food or drinks. CAUTION: Vitamin D levels should be monitored and maintained within safe limits under the care of your healthcare professional. Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Not formulated for use in children. If you have a medical condition or are taking medications, consult with your healthcare professional before using this product. Subsequent supplies will be obtainable free for all suitable children under 3 years old from NHS GGC Community Pharmacies via UCF. Current national guidelines 2 recommend that groups at higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency take a daily supplement. This includes:

Vitamin D3 is not needed if an infant or child is having more than 500ml (around 1 pint) infant formula every day as formula milk is fortified with Vitamin D3. Advice to take vitamin D supplements is based on recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) who provide independent advice to government based on scientific evidence. Healthy Start multivitamins

Since 1st April 2021, all breastfeeding women and children under three years of age (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula) in NHSGGC have been eligible for a free Vitamin D3 supplement Ideal for babies and toddlers, options for taking them include putting them straight onto their tongue, onto your nipple if you are breastfeeding, or into formula, expressed milk, juice or a small amount of food. This replaces Healthy Start provision from pharmacies (although Healthy Start tablets will still be supplied to pregnant women by maternity services). Healthy Start multivitamins contain vitamin D and are recommended for all pregnant women and are provided free for the duration of pregnancy. Ask your midwife, family nurse or health visitor about where you can get your free vitamins from locally. Pro Health Vitamin D3 drops Colleagues have also been asked to stop distribution of product with this LOT number." The specific batch of vitamin D drops being recalled is LOT 2101001.

A new-born infants vitamin D level depends on their mother’s level during her pregnancy. Although mother’s level will be higher if a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D was taken for the duration of pregnancy, it is still advised that all new born infants have additional vitamin D. Also, as it is advised that infants are protected from the sun, this is another good reason why infants need additional vitamin D. How much vitamin D to give an infant Although severe vitamin D deficiency is rare in the UK, almost one in five children have low vitamin D - take a look below to see how much your little one needs, depending on their age. Food Supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be substituted for a varied diet or healthy lifestyle. Our body needs vitamin D as it helps with absorption of calcium from the foods we eat to support bone and teeth health. Vitamin D also regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body to help keep muscles healthy too. Where can I get vitamin D from? NHS GGC Provision of Vitamin D Supplements for Pregnant Women, Breastfeeding Women and Those Under 3 Years Old