Parents urged to give babies vitamin D

Parents are being reminded to give their babies a daily vitamin D supplement.

Vitamin D is also known as the 'sunshine vitamin'.

All babies - both breastfed or formula fed - from birth to 12 months should take 5 micrograms of the vitamin daily.

The advice comes from the Health Service Executive, the Food Safety Authority and the Department of Health and Children.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones but is present in very few foods.

Severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency can cause softening of the bones or bone deformities, known as Rickets in children.