The vitamin D scheme provides vitamin D supplements in Lambeth and Southwark. This is open to everyone.
If you have any more questions, please speak to your local pharmacist, health visitor, midwife or GP (home doctor).
Who can receive free vitamin D supplements?
In Lambeth and Southwark the following people are entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins from their local pharmacy:
- pregnant people
- people who have given birth, until their child is 1 year old
- all children under 4 living in Lambeth or Southwark
Pregnant people can get their first supply of vitamins from their midwife. Afterwards, they'll be signposted to register with participating pharmacy in either Lambeth or Southwark.
Health visitors will provide the first bottle of vitamins for newborn babies during their new birth visit and can give information about how to register at a participating pharmacy.
There are 19 pharmacies in Lambeth and 18 in Southwark.
You'll get your free vitamin D card after you have registered.
Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium in the body. It's important for developing strong and healthy bones and teeth. Low levels of vitamin D in children can lead to rickets which causes the bones to become curved or 'bow-legged'. In adulthood, low levels of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia which causes bone pain and tenderness.
Where does vitamin D come from?
From the sun
Nearly all of the vitamin D we get is made in the skin by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. In the UK it is only between April and September that we get enough sunlight at the correct wavelength for our bodies to make the required amount of vitamin D. People with darker skin need more time in the sun to produce enough vitamin D.
From our diet
It's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, however it is found in small amounts in some foods. The main food source of vitamin D is oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout. Eggs and meat only contain a small amount of vitamin D. Some margarine and infant formulas are fortified with vitamin D.
Note: you should not have more than 2 portions of oily fish a week if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who needs vitamin D?
Everyone needs vitamin D but some people are more at risk of low levels of vitamin D than others.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnant women need to get enough vitamin D to keep their bones healthy and to provide their babies with enough vitamin D to support them while in the womb and in their first few months. Babies get vitamin D from breast milk and rely on their mother's stores, especially if they are exclusively breastfeeding.
Children under 5 years
Particularly those with darker skin tones.
People over 65 years
As you grow older your skin is less able to produce enough vitamin D from the sun.
People with dark skin
If you have darker skin, it absorbs less sunlight than in people with lighter skin.
People with little sun exposure
You may not get enough vitamin D from the sunlight alone if you:
- cover your skin for cultural reasons
- are housebound or stay indoors for long periods of time
People who are obese
People who are obese are at higher risk of having low vitamin D levels.
How do I get the vitamin D that I need?
It is important for people at risk to take vitamin D supplements, which are available at most pharmacies.
Adults at risk of low levels of vitamin D need about 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day to keep their levels topped up. Ask your pharmacist about the vitamin D products for adults and children recommended by the NHS.
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