Across Lambeth all pregnant women, new mums and children under four can now get free supplements of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, thanks to the new Free D scheme from Lambeth Council and the local NHS.
The move comes on the back of concerns about the increase in rickets and other impacts of low levels of vitamin D that can include bone and muscle pain, a soft skull, weak teeth and delayed walking in infants.
Where can I get vitamin D?
If you are pregnant or have children under four you can register for your free vitamins at most community pharmacies across Lambeth. When you register you will receive a Free D card.
Free Vitamin D – pharmacy list
Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D will help the bodies of both mother and child to absorb calcium, which is essential for keeping bones healthy throughout life. When pregnant women don’t get enough vitamin D their children can be more at risk of rickets, seizures and even heart failure.
For pregnant women supplements make sure that their own needs for vitamin D are met and also that they have enough vitamin D to pass onto their developing baby. This will also help make sure that their baby is born with enough stores of vitamin D for the first few months of life.
After birth, mothers can continue to get vitamin D supplements for a year along with vitamin D drops for their child until they reach the age of four.
Eating the right things and some natural sunlight can help
You can read more about Vitamin D on the NHS Choices website:
Dr Ruth Wallis, Lambeth and Southwark’s Director of Public Health, said: “The body needs vitamin D to ensure the growth and continued health of bones and teeth. The best natural source of vitamin D is sunlight on the skin. However the sun in the UK is only strong enough between April and September. While vitamin D is present in small amounts in some foods, such as oily fish and eggs, it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, no matter how healthy your diet is. Taking daily supplements will make sure you get the right amount.”
I live in Herne Hill SE24 and the list doesn’t include any pharmacies which are near me. I would appreciate if you could please try to engage one of the local pharmacies in the SE24 area. Thank you.
Hi dear
I tried too many times register me to receive this card D but I can’t find the link to do.
Hi,
Guys and St Thomas’ have this useful leaflet, which recommends:
If you have any questions or concerns about free vitamin D supplements, please contact:
Community Children’s Nutrition & Dietetics Service on one of the following numbers:
020 3049 5392, 020 3049 5383, 020 3049 5051 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/community/free-vitamin-d-for-you-and-your-baby.pdf
My vitamin D level came out at 12 when tested. I would like to know what type of supplement it is…is it natural or artificial?
Hi, please speak to your GP or your local pharmacist for more information.
Could you please tell me which pharmacy or chemist in Peckham i could pick up my vitamins. Boots in Peckham never has it, they always say that they’ve ordered but never arrives. Its being since Jan 15 i have not mt vitamins D or vitamin dropes for my babies. Thank you for your kind support.
Hi, Peckham is within the Southwark council area. Here is a link to their website with a list of other pharmacies you can try. http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200017/children_and_families/3601/free_vitamin_d_scheme
We are having problem obtaining the free vitamin D supplement for our pharmacy. Does anyone knows how to go about it. Many thanks
Hi, if you are having trouble accessing free vitamin D from a pharmacy listed please contact the Project Coordinator http://guysstthomashospital.newsweaver.co.uk/Connect/yi2dwan4jrk
Could you clarify if you take this throughout your pregnancy?
I was easily able to get my first prescription from Rosendale Pharmacy. But I am now running out. So went to Boots on Lower Marsh (near work), but they weren’t able to give me a repeat prescription. Stating they weren’t aware women take it throughout their pregnancy. And that you take it for the first trimester, for a month after the child is born and then the child takes it.
However I then rang Rosendale Pharmacy who confirmed pregnant women take it throughout their pregnancy.
So I am very confused.
Do I take it throughout my pregnancy and if so what do I do to get a repeat prescription?
Hello Natasha,
Thanks for your comment and interest in Vitamin D.
My public health colleagues inform me that pregnant women should take Vitamin D throughout pregnancy. All of the pharmacies on our list should be aware of this.
I will forward on the useful information you have provided about pharmacies giving different information to our public health team who will follow up and investigate further.
Thanks again and best wishes for Christmas and the new year
from Barry
on behalf of the Campaigns Team at Lambeth
Hi Sarah, you should be able to sign-up at your local pharmacy and won’t need any info with you, regards.
Hello, unless I have missed it can you please clarify in this info whether I need to take any info to the pharmacy to register or just attend. Thank you