Vitamins?! 3 year old and 3 month old. Especially vit D

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I've previously been a bit wary of vitamins. It seemed all the American families i knew took tons and assumed it was some sort of marketing ploy to spend a fortune on them - all you need is a healthy diet and a bit of sunshine...

BUT it seems there is a real problem with vitamin D deficiency in the UK. Should my 3 year old and baby be on them? I'm taking pregnacare for breastfeeding so I assume that has some vit D in. (I'm very run down so thought it wouldn't hurt.)

My pre-schooler has become more picky about food. Should she have a vitamin?

Do people bother with them?

I think there's a problem with Vit D in some areas of the population. IIRC it's darker-skinned people who are more at risk. If you are dark-skinned, then it may be best to check with your doctor as he/she will have far more knowledge about diet/sun etc.

When I had my first child, 3 years ago, I was under the impression it was dark skinned women (I'm white, British) and those who never went outside that were at risk. However it has been in the news this year that that is not the case - and apparently 1/4 of children are vit D deficient.

www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/vitamin-d-medical-advice-and-supplements.aspx

Apparently the NHS recommend all breastfeeding women, all pregnant women and all children 6months - 5 years to take vitamins... it was only when pre-school mentioned this that I was even aware of this! I'm beginning to wonder if I should, and then if I ought to get a multi vitamin or just D for the children.

All children under 5 should have vitamins according to the NHS. Also pregnant and breastfeeding mums.

Yes to Vit D. Not necessarily for all other vitamins if good diet otherwise. DS has them though as his diet is not amazing.

Healthy Start Vitamins. You should be able to buy them, if you aren't eligible to get them for free, from certain health centres, children's centres or neighbourhood centres. They're very cheap and have everything you and your children need in the way of supplements.

I predict we'll see a huge new initiative to do with Vit D before long.

my 2 used to have the Bassetts chewy vitamins - they are ok from age 3. It is advised to give vitamins from 6 months to 5 years so your baby doesnt need them just yet. You can buy liquid vitamins in the supermarket, chemist, etc

Well Kid vitamins are better than the others,- better type of vit d