Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

Vitamin D Supplements scheme in NHSGGC

(Replaces Healthy Start® vitamins scheme) - for breastfeeding women and children under 3 years old

Key messages

  • 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

  • Breastfeeding women are now provided with one bottle of Pro Health® Vitamin D3 tablets from their maternity unit. Subsequent supplies should be obtained from community pharmacies free of charge

  • Infants and children under 3 years of age (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula) are eligible for Pro Health® Vitamin D3 drops at a dose of 10microgams (1 drop) per day free of charge. The drops are supplied initially from maternity units or community midwives with subsequent supplies from community pharmacies

  • Healthy Start® tablets will still be supplied to pregnant women by maternity services as before (Healthy Start® tablets also contain folic acid and vitamin C)

 

Background Information

  • Breastfed infants require vitamin D supplementation due to insufficient levels of vitamin D received by the infant through breastfeeding

  • Vitamin D supplementation is not needed if an infant or child is having more than 500ml infant formula every day as formula milk is fortified with vitamin D

  • Pro Health® Vitamin D3 oral drops can be purchased in community pharmacies for children aged three to five years of age. Vitamin D supplementation of 10microgams per day in this age group is strongly recommended by The Scottish Government (please refer to link to Community Pharmacy Scotland website in further information section below)

  • Healthcare professionals are encouraged to promote the purchase of Pro Health® Vitamin D3 oral drops for children aged three to five years of age

  • The two Vitamin D products available via the scheme are:

    1. Pro Health® Vitamin D3 oral drops

      (strength: 10micrograms/drop, pack size: 2.4ml)

    2. Pro Health® Vitamin D3 tablets

      (strength: 10micrograms, pack size: 120)

  • Both Pro Health® products above are sugar free, and suitable for those following a vegan, vegetarian, halal or kosher diet

 

Further information
Please refer to Vitamin D Supplements update at Community Pharmacy Scotland website.

 

Originally published 17/01/2022. Updated 07/06/2022. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.

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