The power of vitamins

Although a healthy, varied diet should be sufficient for the majority, certain population groups are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly young women of childbearing age, whose diets are commonly micronutrient poor and whose requirements increase peri-conceptually and throughout pregnancy and lactation. Infants and young children are also vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies, associated with the high nutritional demands of rapid growth alongside the transition from milk to solids during weaning. The DH and NICE recommend i) periconceptual folic acid supplementation ii) vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, for breastfed infants over 6 months of age (> 1 month if at high risk of deficiency), in those taking less than 500ml infant formula and for all 1-5 year olds iii) vitamin A supplementation during infancy and early childhood. The vitamin and mineral supplement industry is vast, with a third of the UK population and half of children being reported to be taking micronutrient supplements, although it is predominantly by those who do not need them. Guidance on suitable micronutrient supplementation from health professionals, supported by dietitians if required, is therefore likely to be welcomed by many families.