It can be so hard keeping up with Department of Health recommendations for when you are trying to conceive, during pregnancy and then when breast feeding. I know recommendations have changed so much since I had my eldest almost ten years ago and even from when I had Erin two years ago. Like most women planning on starting a family I was aware of the recommendation to take Folic Acid to support foetal development but I was unaware of the Department of Healths guidelines for the supplementation of Vitamin D before, during and after pregnancy to support foetal and breastfed babies development. These guidelines were first issued in 2011 and then revised in 2012.
So why do we need to take Vitamin D?
- Well Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phoshorus from foods to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
- Antibiotics-antibacterials contributes to the normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response.
- Vitamin D is made naturally when skin is exposed to direct sunlight in the summer sun
– Sunscreen use is important, as it helps prevent skin cancers. Sunscreens also block
the UV light required to make vitamin D in our skin.
– The UK receives on average of 4 hours of sunlight daily, and only 2.5 hours in the winter
months.
- The National Diet and Nutrition Survey, showed that up to 1 in 4 people in the UK have low levels of Vitamin D in their blood.
Why do Pregnant Mums need Vitamin D?
- Vitamin D contributes to normal cell division.
- Vitamin D is important during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- The Department of Health Recommends –
– All Pregnant and Breastfeeding women should take a daily supplement containing 10
micrograms (0.01 mg or 400 IU) of vitamin D to ensure the mother’s requirements for
vitamin D are met and to build adequate foetal stores in early infancy.
- Warning – Pregnant mums should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (Retinol) as too much vitamin A can harm baby’s development. Liver and liver products (including fish liver oil) should be avoided, as the are high in vitamin A.
What do the Department of Health recommend for infants and children?
- Vitamin D is necessary for the normal growth and development of bones in children.
- All babies and young children aged six months to five years should take a daily supplement containing Vitamin D in the form of vitamin drops – the requirement for this age group is 7-8.5 ug (0.007 – 0.0085mg) of vitamin D a day. Babies who drink more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula daily will not need vitamin drops, as formula is fortified with vitamin D.
- Breastfeeding is the most effective way of protecting the health of a child.
- Breastfed infants may need to receive drops containing vitamin D from one month of age if their mother has not taken vitamin D supplements throughout pregnancy.
- Vitamin supplements should not be given to infants under 1 month of age unless under medical supervision.
How easy are Ddrops to take?
The answer is very easy, Just one drop is all that’s needed daily. Erin and myself were each sent some Ddrops to try, I was sent Mum’s Ddrops and Erin was sent Baby Ddrops mini. We have both been taking Ddrops for the last week and they are so simple to take, simply one drop on a clean surface such as a finger or mothers nipple. We’ve been using my clean figure to give to Erin and she has taken without any problems, in fact she seemed keen to take them. Her brothers take multivitamins daily and she is always asking for one although is too young at present for the ones we use so having Ddrops for her want to be like her brothers. I have been taking from my clean finger too and have found the Ddrops to have no flavour at all making it easier to persuade little ones to take them. As the benefits of taking Ddrops will not be seen for years to come I am unable to comment on them as of yet but as a breastfeeding mum I am happy to take the Ddrops in line with the Department of Health recommendations and so is Erin.
How do you take Ddrops?
For infants
- Just one purified drop of Baby Ddrops mini contains 7.5ug (0.0075mg or 300IU) of vitamin D3 – the daily dose without chemicals and additives.
- Simply place just one drop of Baby Ddrops mini on a clean surface such as a fingertip, or mother’s nipple and allow baby to suck. With no taste or odour, the drop goes unnoticed.
- Please note – This is not dispensed as 1ml with a dropper as some liquid vitamins, but is administered as 1 drop or 0.003 mL.
For Pregnant Mums
- Just one purified drop of Mum’s Ddrops contains 10ug (0.01mg or 400IU) of Vitamin D3, without chemicals or additives.
- No need to swallow more pills or capsules – simply place 1 drop onto any food or drink.
For adults
- Mum’s Ddrops 10ug (0.01mg or 400IU) or Ddrops 25ug (0.025 mg or 1000IU) are excellent options for people who are looking for pure vitamin D without chemicals or additives.
- Just one drop onto any food, or licked off a clean surface is an easy way to get your daily dose.
Remember to ask your health practitioner or dietitian if you need any more advice or information. Always keep, read and follow the instructions provided with Ddrops. Do not exceed stated dosage.
Ddrops are available from larger Boots stores and online. For further information please visit Ddrops website
You have reminded me I really need to get some vitamin drops for my fussy eating toddler! So thanks 🙂 x