Foods High in Vitamin D
It is almost impossible to find foods high in Vitamin D. That is one of the reasons we humans are becoming Vitamin D deficient.
Very few foods in nature contain Vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of Vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Vitamin D in these foods is primarily in the form of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and its metabolite 25(OH)D3 . Some mushrooms provide vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) in variable amounts. Mushrooms with enhanced levels of vitamin D2 from being exposed to ultraviolet light under controlled conditions are also available.
Fortified foods provide most of the Vitamin D in the American diet . Almost all of the U.S. milk supply is fortified with 100 IU per cup, of Vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value or 50% of the AI level for ages 14-50 years). In the 1930s, a milk fortification program was implemented in the United States to combat rickets, a major public health problem at that time. This program virtually eliminated the disorder. Since a small amount of Vitamin D eliminated rickets it should stand to reason more would keep us healthier. Other dairy products made from milk, such as cheese and ice cream, are generally not fortified. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals often contain added Vitamin D, and some brands of orange juice, yogurt, and margarine. In the United States, foods allowed to be fortified with Vitamin D include cereal flours and related products, milk and products made from milk, calcium-fortified fruit juices and drinks . Maximum levels of added Vitamin D are specified by law.
DVs(DV=Daily Value) were developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help consumers compare the nutrient contents of products within the total diet. The DV for Vitamin D is 400 IU for adults and children age 4 and older. Food labels are not required to list Vitamin D content unless a food has been fortified with Vitamin D. Foods providing 20% or more of the DV are considered to be foods high in Vitamin D.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database, lists the nutrient content of many foods. A growing number of foods are being analyzed for Vitamin D content.
Since there are so few foods high in Vitamin D we need to use sunshine and Vitamin D Supplements to give us the optimum amount of Vitamin D our bodies need
To find the levels of Vitamin D we need for optimal health read this article Vitamin D recommended Dosages
