Pregnant women in Scotland to be offered free vitamins

Every pregnant woman in Scotland is to be offered free vitamin supplements from next year as part of a drive to improve the health of mothers and babies. It will make Scotland the only part of the United Kingdom where such support is universally available.

The announcement is part of a package of measures designed to give babies the best start in life. It includes the provision of a “baby box” for every newborn, which will come with clothing, bedding, books, toys, and a toothbrush. The box itself can be converted into a basic crib. A similar initiative has been in operation in Finland since the 1930s, where it has been seen as an important support for new mothers.

The universal provision of free supplements of vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid will begin in the spring with the aim of giving all children an equal start in life. Under the Healthy Start scheme in operation across the rest of the UK only pregnant women on low incomes who receive benefits such as income support qualify for free vitamins.

A recent review into vitamin supplementation by researchers at King’s College London recommended that universal free provision should be considered because the benefits would outweigh the costs.1 The Scottish government said the move enjoys wide support among health professional and is expected to cost around £300 000 (€390 000; $430 000) a year.

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, said: “As an obstetrician I am delighted at this announcement. We understand the long term positive effects that good nutrition can have for pregnant women, and offering these essential vitamins will help to improve the health of mothers, babies, and children in Scotland.”