Home > Breastfeeding In the news > LOCAL MINISTER SHEDS LIGHT ON SUNSHINE VITAMIN

LOCAL MINISTER SHEDS LIGHT ON SUNSHINE VITAMIN

November 4th, 2010

Minister Aine Brady launches Vitamin D supplement for babies

Minister Aine Brady TD launched BabyVitD3 at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, County Kildare, Monday 1st November at 8pm in response to the recent policy announced by the Health Service Executive.

The launch of BabyVitD3 responds to the Health Service Executive policy which states that: “It is recommended that all infants, from birth to 12 months, whether breastfed or formula fed, be given a daily supplement of vitamin D. This should be provided by a supplement containing vitamin D exclusively.”

Calls to raise awareness about Irish populations Vitamin D3 deficiency comes from the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. Studies prove that this is especially important during the winter months when Irish people have amongst the world’s lowest Vitamin D intake.

Minister Aine Brady said: “I am delighted to support this local launch which addresses a national problem. Due to Ireland’s position north of the Equator and the lack of sunshine, it is essential that we follow the advice of the HSE and raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D3.”

Vitamin D3, which is also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced from the sun’s rays on the skin. Due to Ireland’s northerly latitude, we do not get enough sun to produce this essential vitamin. This crucial for all ages but infants aged 0-12 months are at particularly high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland advised that a supplement providing exclusively vitamin D3 must be designed specifically to meet the needs of Irish people. This new product has to be in a suitable format for infants and also needs to be accessible.

In response to recommendations from the Food Safety Authority, Kildare based company Shield Health were the first company to provide an exclusive Vitamin D supplement that meets these exact requirements. Jack Kinsella, Managing Director of Shield Health, producers of BabyVitD3 commented: We’re delighted to have Minister Aine Brady for the launch, given that it is in the heart of her constituency here in Clane, that Shield Health is based and pleased also that a Kildare company is leading the way in this very important health care initiative for children.

Breastfeeding In the news

  1. No comments yet.
  1. No trackbacks yet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.