Foods that Contain Vitamin D: What Are They?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting the immune system, and regulating mood. While our bodies can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, it can also be obtained through certain foods. In this article, we will explore some of the best food sources of vitamin D.

1. Fatty Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent sources of vitamin D. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked salmon contains about 360 IU of vitamin D, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for adults. Other types of fish that are high in vitamin D include sardines, herring, and trout.

2. Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are another good source of vitamin D. One large egg yolk contains about 41 IU of vitamin D. While egg whites do not contain vitamin D, they are still a healthy source of protein.

3. Fortified Foods: Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, including milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereals. These products have vitamin D added to them during the manufacturing process. A cup of fortified milk can provide up to 120 IU of vitamin D, while a cup of fortified orange juice can provide up to 100 IU.

Including these foods in your diet can help ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D. However, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from food alone, especially during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.