§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what vitamins are available free on the National Health for women who are pregnant; what evidence there is that taking extra vitamins is of value to pregnant women; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergIn the management of potential vitamin deficiency doctors can prescribe a variety of preparations to pregnant women, who are all eligible for free prescriptions. Additionally, vitamins A, C and D are available free to pregnant women qualifying for the welfare foods scheme. In 1980 a working party of the panel on child nutrition recommended that all women should receive vitamin supplements during pregnancy. Their routine use serves a preventive function especially against Osteomalacia in women and rickets in babies.