Which vitamin D is best for babies?
A guide to vitamin D drops for babies and children in the UK, from a baby + child dietitian
Babies and young children up to 4 years of age are advised to give 10 µg (400 IU) vitamin D daily from birth in the UK, unless consuming 500ml or more of infant formula (as this is fortified with vitamin D):
Babies from birth need 8.5-10 µg per day
Children 1-4 years need 10 µg per day
What form of vitamin D is best absorbed? What is the most effective vitamin D to take?
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is generally preferred as it is the form naturally produced in the skin and is often more effective than D2. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so an oil based supplement is likely best, and taking supplements with a meal containing some fat (like oily fish, nuts or nut butter, or olive oil) can enhance absorption for older children and adults.
How to give vitamin D to a baby? Can you put vitamin D drops straight into baby’s mouth? Can I mix vitamin D drops with milk?
Most infant and young child preparations are either drops or sprays. To administer vitamin drops to a baby, you can drop the liquid onto the breast before feeding, use a dropper or syringe into the mouth, or place it on a clean finger and allow baby to suck it off. Always follow the product instructions for the specific amount of drops needed and the age of the baby. Some drops suggest adding to babies milk, check the packet for specific advice. When babies are older, you can usually mix the drops into their food or drinks if needed.
Some example vitamin D supplements for babies and children in the UK:
Vitamin D for newborns
Viridi Kid Liquid Vitamin D drops
Brand: Viridi Kid
Vitamin D per dose: 10 µg D3 (400 IU) per 0.5 ml
Presentation: Liquid drops
Age suitability: Suitable from birth
Base: in a base of Orange Oil and Sunflower oil
Source: vegan plant-based form derived from Lichen
Natures Aid Mini Drops Vitamin D3
Brand: Natures Aid
Vitamin D per dose: 10 µg D3 (400 IU) per 1 ml
Presentation: liquid drops
Age suitability: Suitable from birth
Base: Medium Chain Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil)
Source: Not stated
Vitamin D sprays
BetterYou D400 Infant Vegan Vitamin D Oral Spray
Brand: BetterYou
Vitamin D per dose: 10 µg D3 (400 IU) per spray
Presentation: Spray
Age suitability: Suitable from birth
Base: Coconut oil
Source: The source of vitamin D3 is Lanolin. This has been sourced from the wool of sheep living in Australia. The D3 is completely extracted from the Lanolin and while it is suitable for vegetarians, but not vegans
Bare Biology Vitamin D3 Spray + K2
Brand: Bare Biology
Vitamin D per dose: 33 µg D3 (~1300 IU) per spray
Presentation: Spray
Age suitability: Suitable from 3 year+. 2 sprays per week provides ~400 IU per day
Base: Medium Chain Triglycerides (Coconut), Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita)
Source: plant derived cholecalciferol from algae
Common supermarket brands of vitamin D
Baby D drops
Brand: Baby D drops
Vitamin D per dose: 10 µg D3 (400 IU) per drop
Presentation: Liquid drops
Age suitability: Suitable from birth
Base: Fractionated coconut oil
Source: Not specified
Vitabiotics Wellbaby Vitamin D-Drops
Brand: Vitabiotics
Vitamin D per dose: 10 µg (400 IU) per 0.5 ml
Presentation: Liquid drops
Age suitability: Suitable from 4 months
Base: Olive oil
Source: Not specified, states suitable for vegetarians, doesn’t state vegan suitable