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- NHS Inform guidance suggests that people of all age groups should consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 units) daily, particularly during the winter months (October to March).
- Breastfeeding women and children under 3 (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula daily) can obtain free supplies of vitamin D via their community pharmacy as detailed here. Pregnant women are supplied with Healthy Start® tablets (vitamin D, vitamin C and folic acid) by maternity services.
- Those who are not eligible for free supplies of vitamin D can purchase a vitamin D supplement at pharmacies, supermarkets and online.
- Some patient groups will be unable to purchase supplements themselves and GPs may be asked to prescribe, e.g. those who are institutionalised, frail or housebound or low income families. Refer to colecalciferol product of choice blog.
- If a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement is required, the preferred choices can be found in the GGC medicines formulary, and includes options for those who are unable to tolerate the first and second line preparations.