The chief medical officer of Scotland, Sir Harry Burns has sad that all the children aged between six months and five years must be given vitamin D drops on a daily basis.

Sir Harry also said that pregnant women should take the vitamin daily to protect themselves from bone disease and other illnesses. He has written to the health professionals outlining the risks of vitamin D deficiency among children and women.

He wrote in the letter that all pregnant and breastfeeding women should intake a 10 micrograms dose everyday. It also said that the people aged 65 and over who do not get much direct sunlight should also take a dose of 10 micrograms daily.

The Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to high rates of multiple sclerosis in Scotland by several health studies. The main reasons for lower Vitamin D among people in Scotland include lack of sunshine and a diet low in oily fish. Sir Harry also said that the daily dose would allow children to meet the requirement of 7 to 8.5 micrograms of vitamin D per day.

“My colleagues and I are writing a joint letter to health professionals to increase awareness of this important issue, highlighting the fact there are steps that people who may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as pregnant women, infants and young children, can take to avoid low levels,” said Sir Harry.