Growing children, especially those who don't eat a varied diet, sometimes don't get enough vitamins A and C. It's also difficult to get enough vitamin D through food alone.
Therefore, the Department of Health recommends that all children from six months to five years old are given supplements, in the form of vitamin drops, that contain vitamins A, C and D.
Your health visitor can give you advice on vitamin drops and tell you where to get them. You’re entitled to free vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start. Some supplements that can be bought over-the-counter in pharmacies contain other vitamins or ingredients. Talk to your pharmacist about which supplement would be most suitable for your child.
Having too much of some vitamins is as harmful as not having enough. Be careful not to give your child two supplements at the same time. For example, don’t give them cod liver oil and vitamin drops, as cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D. One supplement on its own is strong enough.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D only occurs naturally in a few foods, such as oily fish and eggs. It is also added to some foods such as fat spreads and breakfast cereals. The best source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on their skin. However, it’s sensible to keep your child’s skin safe in the sun. Children shouldn’t be out too long in the sun in hot weather. Remember to cover up or protect their skin before it turns red or burns.
It's important that children still receive vitamin drops, even if they get out in the sun.
Breastfed children should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from six months of age. Children who are given infant formula should be given a daily vitamin D supplement if they have less than 500ml (about a pint) of formula a day. All children should continue to take the vitamin D supplement until the age of five.
Taking a vitamin D supplement throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding will ensure you get enough vitamin D, and that your baby is born with enough stored in their body for the first few months of their life. If you're breastfeeding and you didn't take a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy, your health professional may advise you to give your child a vitamin D supplement from the age of one month.
Read more about vitamin D and sunlight.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an important vitamin for babies and young children, and they may not be getting enough. It strengthens their immune system, can help their vision in dim light, and maintains healthy skin.
Good sources of vitamin A include:
- dairy products
- fortified fat spreads
- carrots
- dark-green vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for your child’s general health and their immune system. It can also help their body absorb iron.
Good sources of vitamin C include:
- oranges
- kiwi fruit
- strawberries
- broccoli
- tomatoes
- peppers
A healthy diet
It’s important for children to eat healthily. For information on helping your child eat a healthy, balanced diet, go to:
