Children age 1 to 4 need a vitamin D supplement during winter. This is because they cannot get enough from the sun or their diet in winter months. They need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.
This information is for children age 1 to 4.
There is different advice for:
When to give your child a vitamin D supplement
Your child needs a vitamin D supplement every day from Halloween until St Patrick's Day.
Type of supplement to give
Liquid drops of a vitamin D-only supplement are usually best for children age 1 to 4.
Give them 5 micrograms every day during winter.
Do not give your child chewable or tablet-type supplements. These could be a choking risk.
Ask your pharmacist if you need advice on choosing a supplement.
Foods rich in vitamin D
Your child can get vitamin D from a range of foods including:
- oily fish
- liver
- egg yolks
- fortified foods such as some fat spreads, milk and breakfast cereal
