Vitamin D is essential for health.
Having enough during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and of having a premature baby.
Follow your doctor’s advice if told to take a different amount
Take 10μg (micrograms) of vitamin D daily
Take 20μg of vitamin D daily if you:
- Have darker skin or
- Usually wear clothes that cover most of your skin outdoors or
- Spend most of your time indoors or
- Are overweight
From birth to 1 year of age
Give 8.5μg to 10μg of vitamin D daily
(if breastfed or having less than 500mls/17.5oz of infant formula per 24 hours)
From 1 to 4 years
Give 10μg of vitamin D daily
You can get vitamin D supplements from supermarkets and chemists
Healthy Start
You may be eligible for free vitamins if you qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme.
Visit the website or call 0345 607 6823.
Healthy Start vitamins can be purchased for a small cost in some areas.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy
Vitamin D can halve the risk of pre-eclampsia and reduce the risk of:
- gestational diabetes
- severe postpartum haemorrhage
- pre-term birth
- baby being born at a low birthweight
Vitamin D deficiency infant deaths are preventable
A recent UK study found:
- A third of all babies were vitamin D deficient
- A half of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic babies were vitamin D deficient
- A third of all newborns had insufficient levels
All who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take 10μg (400IU) of vitamin D daily
Individuals should take 20μg (800IU) daily if they are pregnant/breastfeeding and have: darker skin/wear clothes covering most of their skin outdoors/spend most of their time indoors/BMI of 30kg/m2 or more
The Healthy Start Scheme
£4 million worth of Healthy Start vouchers were unclaimed in GM in 2019. The scheme provides vitamins for pregnancy and children as well as money (via vouchers/card) for healthy food.
Professionals are not required to sign application forms.
Further information from the website: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk or telephone 0345 607 6823.
