Vitamin D is required for maintaining good bone health. Our main source comes from sunlight.

Current advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D.

Some people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and it is recommended that these people take a daily supplement. This includes:

• All pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Infants and children under 5 years old
• People who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound, confined indoors for long periods or live in an institution such as a care home
• People from minority ethnic groups with dark skin such as those of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin as they require more sun exposure to make as much vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements can be purchased from most supermarkets, pharmacies or online

A general information leaflet ‘Vitamin D and You’ is available online at: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5274.aspx . This leaflet is available in different languages.

For more information visit the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/vitamin-d-advice-for-all-age-groups/

If you would like any further information, get in touch with your GP, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor.