Free vitamin D supplements in Blackburn with Darwen to prevent rickets

Health bosses reintroduced the supplements for toddlers after the 2007 report revealed Blackburn had four times the number of children suffering the painful bone-softening condition than Burnley and Pendle, where the vitamin had been given out.

It is hoped the supplements for mothers will give babies’ bones an extra boost.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone growth, but is unique in coming mainly from sunlight.

Dr Ellis Friedman, director of public health for NHS East Lancashire, said the supplements were vitally important for the South Asian community, as dark skin and Muslim requirements for clothing to cover limbs meant catching the sun was even harder.

Almost all of East Lancashire’s recorded cases of rickets have been in Asian children.

Katherine Burn, a GP at NHS Blackburn with Darwen, said: “If pregnant women have low Vitamin D levels, they can pass the deficiency on to their child. "New mothers need to recharge their Vitamin D levels, particularly if breast feeding.

“In climates such as ours, it can be very difficult to get enough Vitamin D, especially in winter and for people with dark or pigmented skin.

“By maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels during pregnancy you can help give your child the best possible start. Tablets for women also contain Vitamin C and folic acid.”

Vitamin D drops can be given to children from as early as one month old and are given free of charge from health visitors as part of a 2-week visit. The vitamin drops will also give the baby essential vitamin A and vitamin C. Doctors advise that these supplements should continue until your child is 5-years-old.

Chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s health scrutiny committee Roy Davies said: “We have to do these things to try and get these children healthy.

“The supplements for children have been a success, and I hope pregnant women will continue to do everything they can to keep themselves and their babies healthy.”