A third of pregnant women and new mums have never been advised of the need to take a Vitamin D supplement, according to a survey.

The Colief survey of 1,000 pregnant women and new mums found that 73 per cent claim not to have been informed about the benefits of vitamin D by their healthcare professionals. And 70 per cent were unaware of government guidelines around vitamin D, which recommend that all children aged six months to five years take a supplement.

GP Dr Jumoke Thomas said: “The insights from this survey provide GPs and all other healthcare professionals with the opportunity to discuss vitamin D with parents, to ensure they are aware of Department of Health guidelines and measures they can take to keep themselves and their children healthy.”

Although there is a  degree of knowledge among mums about vitamin D and its importance, 82 per cent were not aware of the difference between vitamin D2 and D3. This further demonstrates the need for education on the sources of vitamin D, and how mums can ensure they and their children are getting enough, according to Colief.