Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Australia – almost all pregnant women have a low vitamin D level if tested in early pregnancy. The cause is not completely clear but is probably partly due to reduced sun exposure - most people stay out of direct sun and use sunscreen when they are exposed (which prevents vitamin D production in the skin). Vitamin D deficiency in mothers can easily and safely be treated with a vitamin D supplement such as Ostelin.

​

All babies receiving any breastmilk require vitamin D supplements for the first six months of life. Even if a mother has taken vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, and her blood vitamin D level returns to normal, the supplements don't cross the placenta, and the baby will have a low vitamin D level. Vitamin D supplements for the baby are very safe; they are only required if a baby is breast-fed (or mainly breast-fed) as there is very little vitamin D in breastmilk but a lot in artificial formula. The supplements are important as normal blood levels of vitamin D are required to keep the blood level of calcium normal – this is required for healthy bone development and helps reduce the risk of allergy.

​

Occasionally, there are signs in a baby that their mother's vitamin D level has been low. The commonest is softening of the skull bones which is referred to as craniotabes. If this sign is present in your baby, no extra treatment except the vitamin D supplement is required.

​

There are four vitamin D supplements that are suitable for babies; all are available across the counter in a pharmacy (a prescription is not required). They are listed below:​​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​