Scottish GPs asked to support OTC vitamin D purchases

Care homes encouraged to supply low dose vitamin D

Scottish GPs are asked to support care homes to purchase vitamin D supplements for residents, rather than fulfil prescription requests. New guidance on vitamin D supplementation encourages care home staff to not request a prescription for vitamin D supplements from general practices. The recommended dosage of 10 micrograms is classed as a nutritional supplement and is lower than the treatment dosages of vitamin D available on prescription. If a resident is already receiving a prescription for vitamin D from their general practice (at any dose), then they should continue to receive it on prescription, and there is no need for any additional vitamin D supplementation.

Care homes are asked to inform the resident’s general practice whenever a supplement has been commenced.

Clinical guidance news Scotland