Multivitamins NHS: What You Get, What’s Missing, and What to Know

Multivitamins NHS: What You Get, What’s Missing, and What to Know

The multivitamins NHS guidance provides to patients after surgery is intended to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. For patients recovering from procedures like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other medical conditions, supplementation is often required. Vitamin D, for example, is only found in a few foods, such as oily fish and eggs, making supplementation particularly important for those at risk of deficiencies. Babies who are breastfed should also be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth to ensure adequate levels. However, if babies are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, they should not be given vitamin supplements, as formula already contains the necessary nutrients.

But NHS multivitamins are not one-size-fits-all. In many cases, they are either generic A–Z formulas or a combination of separate products that patients are asked to source individually. This creates confusion, poor adherence, and often leaves gaps in care. For instance, vitamin C, which can help the body absorb iron, may not always be included in sufficient amounts in these formulas. The government also recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D every day to support their development. Good sources of vitamin A include dairy products, fish, and green leafy vegetables. Healthy Start vitamin products provide the correct amount of vitamins recommended by the government, ensuring children receive adequate nutrition.

This article explains what’s typically offered, what to watch for, and what patients need to know when using or comparing multivitamins NHS guidelines recommend. Many vitamin products are available over the counter alongside advice from pharmacies, which can help patients make informed choices. Children may benefit from a multivitamin and mineral supplement if they have a limited diet, as this can help fill nutritional gaps. If your child’s diet is particularly limited, it is best to choose a multivitamin with a larger variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Introduction to Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements are an essential part of maintaining a healthy diet, especially for children and pregnant women. A daily vitamin supplement can help fill any nutritional gaps in a child’s diet, ensuring they get all the necessary vitamins and minerals for growth and development. In the UK, the government recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years take a daily vitamin supplement containing vitamins A, C, and D. Vitamin D, in particular, is crucial for bone health and immune system function, and a vitamin D supplement can be especially beneficial for children who do not get enough sunlight or have a limited diet. Additionally, mineral supplements like calcium and iron are also important for maintaining healthy bones and preventing deficiencies.

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Why Supplements Are Needed After Surgery

The NHS advises that after weight loss surgery, nutrient absorption is permanently reduced. This includes iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and other micronutrients. Even with a balanced diet, many patients develop deficiencies over time. The main source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on our skin, which may not be sufficient for individuals with reduced absorption. Similarly, all children under the age of five are recommended to receive a vitamin D supplement alongside a balanced diet to support their growth and health. A balanced diet including foods from all food groups can meet vitamin and mineral requirements from food alone.

To prevent this, patients are advised to take a multivitamin, as well as separate iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. These are often outlined in discharge summaries or hospital follow-up leaflets under the term “multivitamins NHS”. Supplement labels should be checked carefully for any ingredients that a child may be allergic to, ensuring safety and effectiveness. It is important to be careful when selecting multivitamins and supplements for children, particularly to avoid potential harm from excessive vitamin intake. Healthy Start is a scheme of vouchers for pregnant women and families with children under the age of four. You can ask your midwife or health visitor where to get your free vitamins if you are eligible for schemes like Healthy Start.

What the NHS Typically Recommends

In most NHS trusts, the recommended supplements include:

• A general A–Z multivitamin

• Iron tablets (usually ferrous fumarate or sulfate)

• Calcium with vitamin D

• Vitamin B12 injections every 3 months

These multivitamins NHS trusts recommend are sometimes available on prescription, but patients are often told to buy them over the counter. It is recommended to follow the dose on the label when taking vitamin supplements to ensure proper intake and avoid over- or under-supplementation. Certain products are deemed suitable for specific age groups or dietary needs, ensuring that individuals choose options that align with their health requirements and preferences. You must show your NHS Healthy Start card when you collect your free vitamins.

Common products used under this guidance include Forceval, Centrum, or supermarket A–Z formulas. However, these do not always contain sufficient doses for bariatric patients — especially when it comes to iron, B12, or vitamin D.

Importance of Key Vitamins

Key vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, while vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune system function. Folic acid, on the other hand, is vital for pregnant women to prevent birth defects. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide adequate vitamins and minerals. However, for children who have a restricted diet or are picky eaters, a multivitamin supplement can be beneficial. It’s also important to note that some vitamins, like fat-soluble vitamins, can be toxic in high doses, so it’s essential to follow the recommended daily dose and consult with a doctor or health visitor if unsure.

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Limitations of Multivitamins NHS Patients Are Told to Take

Many multivitamins NHS guidelines suggest are designed for the general population. They are not tailored to patients with reduced absorption or altered digestive anatomy. This means:

• Iron is often too low or poorly absorbed

• B12 is not in methylated form and may be ineffective orally

• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are present in small amounts

• Split dosing (separate iron, calcium, and multivitamin) reduces compliance

Some patients are also told to crush or split tablets, which affects taste, tolerance, and adherence. Chewable multivitamins specifically designed for children aged 3 to 7 years are available, which may improve compliance among children who are reluctant to take traditional supplements.

Are NHS Multivitamins Enough?

It depends on the product, the surgery, and patient compliance. While some patients do well on the standard multivitamins NHS pathways, others struggle — especially with nausea, constipation from iron tablets, or forgetfulness due to multiple doses.

Additionally, patients are often unclear on timing — for example, separating calcium from iron by 2–4 hours to ensure proper absorption. This isn’t always explained clearly.

Blood tests may show low iron, B12, or vitamin D despite following NHS advice. In these cases, patients are usually advised to switch to stronger alternatives. It is also important to ensure that a child's diet contains adequate vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

How to Improve Results With or Without NHS Products

Whether you’re using multivitamins NHS guidance provides or a private alternative, consistency is the most important factor. Key tips include: You can find out who stocks Healthy Start vitamins in your local area to ensure you have access to the recommended supplements.

• Take iron and calcium at different times of day

• Ask for annual blood tests (more frequent if symptomatic)

• Look for products with 200%+ NRV of key vitamins and minerals

• Avoid low-dose A–Z formulas unless advised otherwise

If B12 injections are not tolerated or unavailable, discuss oral alternatives with your bariatric team. Additionally, dietitians can advise on suitable vitamin and mineral supplements for children, especially if their diet is limited or if there's uncertainty about appropriate choices.

Final Advice on Multivitamins NHS Patients Are Offered

The multivitamins NHS recommends are a useful starting point, but may not meet all long-term needs for every patient. If symptoms persist, blood tests reveal deficiencies, or you’re taking multiple tablets with poor results, it may be time to discuss other options. Additionally, you are entitled to free vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start, which can help address specific nutritional needs. In Northern Ireland, you will receive a letter or email explaining how to request your free Healthy Start vitamins.

Always follow NHS clinical advice first — but feel empowered to ask questions and request a review if your routine isn’t working. Effective supplementation is key to long-term recovery and health.

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