§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the vitamin supplements which are currently widely used to supplement the diets of young babies are available over the counter; and what steps are being taken by her Department to ensure the continued availability of such products in the event of the introduction in the future by the European Commission of a directive on dietary supplements.
§ Mr. SackvilleVitamin preparations suitable to supplement the diets of young babies are available over the counter. The Government continue to safeguard the nutritional status of young children in income support families by making supplementary vitamins available free under the welfare foods scheme. The EC Commission is now reviewing its work programme and the future of any initiative on dietary supplements will be dependent on that review. The Government's policy remains to strike a balance between ensuring public health and maintaining the availability of safe products for which there is clearly a strong public demand.
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given by her Department to mothers with young babies about the advisability or otherwise of vitamin supplementation, the range of vitamins which should be used, and the age of the children for whom such supplementation is appropriate.
§ Mr. SackvilleExpert advice from the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy is that vitamin supplementation of Vitamins A, C. D should be given to infants and young children aged from six months to at least two years and preferably up to five years.
81WThe guidance has been promulaged to health professionals and incorporated in the Health Education Authority booklet "Birth to Five" which is given free to all first-time mothers.