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In recent years there has been an increase in identification of vitamin D deficiency in infants and children in the UK, particularly in black and minority ethnic groups. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and deficiency can lead to rickets. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D but, in the UK, ultraviolet radiation is not strong enough during winter months to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. As food sources are limited, supplementation is necessary for most people, particularly groups at high risk of deficiency. Health visitors have a role in raising awareness of the importance of vitamin D and promoting supplementation among pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 3.

Breast milk provides the optimal source of nutrients for infants. For infants who are not breastfed, infant formulas are available to ensure normal growth and development. A key macronutrient for infants is protein, due to its role in linear growth and the maintenance of cell development and function. Over the past 90 years, there have been many developments in infant formula. The latest technology now allows for the manufacture of an alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-protein) enriched infant formula. This formula contains higher levels of alpha-lactalbumin, which is the dominant whey protein in human milk. The new alpha-protein enriched formula has a whey protein profile that is closer to that of human milk, an improved essential amino acid profile, and is better tolerated by bottle fed infants.