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Vitamin D supplements for children age 1 to 4

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

Page last reviewed: 10 July 2023
Next review due: 10 July 2026

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This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 8.