Background - Statement on vitamin D Exposure Levels in Formula Fed Infants and Children

1.             The FSA received a request from the Nutrition, Labelling, Composition and Standards (NLCS). They were seeking a view on the potential risk of vitamin D toxicity in infants and children up to 4 years old, consuming infant and follow-on formula as a result of the increase in the minimum vitamin D content of both. This increase is due to a change in the regulations. The maximum vitamin D content for both has remained the same.

2.             The outcome of the analysis will inform further discussion across the four nations on whether existing advice around vitamin D supplementation for infants consuming formula remains appropriate, or whether this needs to be updated.

3.             The Scottish Government is liaising with the FSA to ensure that their current advice on universal vitamin D supplementation is appropriate following the change in the minimum vitamin D content of infant and follow-on formulae.