While we’re all aware that a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals is crucial to keeping our body, and minds, healthy, sometimes it can be tricky to know where to begin!
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D plays an integral role in keeping bones, teeth, and muscles healthy and according to the NHS, from late March to the end of September, it’s possible to get sufficient amounts of the vitamin from sun exposure alone [1]. That being said, what foods can you turn to during the darker months to ensure you’re getting a sufficient amount?
Although it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone and a number of people turn to vitamin D supplements and dietary supplements during the Wintertime, there are some foods that provide vitamin D, these include:
- Oily fish
- Red meat
- Fortified foods
- Egg yolks
See also: Are You Suffering From Vitamin D Deficiency?
What foods have the most vitamin D?
Depending on where you live, as well as a number of other lifestyle factors, vitamin D levels can potentially completely deplete during the winter months. This can result in a number of unfavorable symptoms such as bone pain and fatigue.
With the above in mind, it’s easy to understand why it’s important to keep vitamin D at a healthy level; one of a number of ways to do this is through vitamin D supplementation - another way to support healthy vitamin D levels is through a balanced diet.
See also: What Are The Functions of Vitamins?
Oily fish
It’s suggested that a healthy diet should include at least two portions of fish per week - one of these being oily fish [2].
Oily fish or fatty fish is a great source of vitamin D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which can help in preventing heart disease. Some popular types of oily fish include:
- Herring
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Mackarel
- Trout
Red meat
For those who eat meat, red meat is a good choice when looking for additional vitamin D sources as well as some extra protein.
It’s important to keep in mind that red meat should be eaten in moderation - it’s recommended that adults eat no more than 70g per day [3]. Common types of red meat include:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Venison
- Goat
Fortified foods
A fortified food is one that has had extra nutrients added to it that aren’t naturally existing within the food. For example, vitamin D is often added to milk [4].
Fortified foods can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet, but the true benefits depend on a number of factors such as age. Some fortified foods that are a good source of vitamin D include:
- Breakfast cereals
- Butter
- Cow’s milk
- Soy milk
Egg yolks
Egg yolks are another source of vitamin D. In fact, while most of the protein in eggs can be found in the white part, fats, minerals, and vitamins are typically found in the yolk itself.
See also: Can You Strengthen Your Immune System?
What vegetable is high in vitamin D?
While there is no one plant-based food that is particularly rich in vitamin D, it is agreed that mushrooms are the only non-animal food product that contains vitamin D [5]. So if you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t forget to add mushrooms to your grocery list!
What fruit is highest in vitamin D?
You've probably realized by now that foods considered naturally high in vitamin D are pretty few and far between, and the same goes for vitamin D fruits! With that said, if you are looking for a fruit that will support your vitamin D levels, orange or even fortified orange juice is the most reliable option.
How can I check vitamin D levels?
Although it’s easy to assume that the majority of us get the right amount of vitamin D through diet and sunlight alone, vitamin D deficiency is actually more common than you think with it estimated that around 50% of adults suffer from some form of vitamin D deficiency [6].
One of the most reliable ways to keep an eye on your vitamin levels is through a vitamin test. This can be done with your local doctor or from the comfort of your own home with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetChecked’s range of at-home Vitamin tests allow you to know more about your vitamin levels - vitamin D included. The Vitamin D Test can identify any deficiencies with online results available within 5 days. Should you have any questions throughout the process, our dedicated medical team are available to help in any way they can.
You should consider taking the Vitamin D Test if:
- You are suffering from chronic fatigue
- You are following a plant-based diet
- You don't have the opportunity to spend time in natural sunlight
- You suffer from asthma
- You suffer from Crohn's disease
- You suffer from Coeliac disease
- You are going through the menopause
- You are at risk of developing osteoporosis
See also: How do You Check Vitamin Levels From Home?
References
- NHS. Vitamin D. Online: NHS.uk
- NHS. Fish and Shellfish. Online: NHS.uk
- NHS. Red meat and risk of bowel cancer. Online: NHS.uk
- National Cancer Institute. Fortified Food. Online: Cancer.gov
- National Institutes of Health. A Review of Mushrooms as a Potential Source of Dietary Vitamin D. Online: Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- NHS. Health claims about vitamin D explained. Online: NHS.uk
