9 Foods Naturally High in Vitamin D
November 17, 2015
Authors: Jenn Savedge
Source: Foods High in Vitamin D
Put down the supplements. There are tastier ways to get your sunshine vitamin this winter.
The shorter days of winter have many of us coming and going in the dark. And that means we’re likely getting much less vitamin D from the sun than we did in the summer. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D can affect mood — and possibly even aggravate the seasonal depression that affects so many in the winter in the form of seasonal affective disorder. So it’s important to take stock of your vitamin D levels to ensure you’re getting enough.
Before you reach for that bottle of supplements, take a closer look at the foods you probably already have in your kitchen that are naturally high in vitamin D. Here are nine excellent sources of the sunshine vitamin:
1. Oily fish
Fatty fishes such as salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel and eel provide anywhere from 400 (mackerel) to 580 (smoked salmon) international units (IUs) of vitamin D. That’s a big chunk of the recommended 600 IUs that you should be aiming for each day (800 IUs if you are over 70.)
2. Canned fish
If fresh fish isn’t available, check out your store’s supply of canned fish such as tuna or sardines. These inexpensive options still provide between 180-250 IUs of vitamin D, and they can be a lot easier to find and afford than fresh sources.
3. Portobello mushrooms
These hearty mushrooms, along with morels, oyster mushrooms and chanterelles, are excellent vegan sources of vitamin D. Portobellos have about 375 IUs per serving, so go ahead and add some to your salads, soups and sandwiches.
4. Milk
Most brands of milk are fortified with vitamin D. Depending upon the brand, a glass of milk usually provides around 100 IUs but check the label to make sure. Also, many dairy products made with milk — like yogurt — may contain vitamin D but ice cream and most cheeses often do not.
5. Orange Juice
Like milk, many brands of orange juice are fortified with vitamin D — but the amounts may vary. So check the label if you’re looking for a sunshine vitamin boost. Most brands that are fortified contain about 100 IUs.
6. Egg yolk
Egg yolks often get a bad rap, but they are chock full of vitamins and minerals — including vitamin D. So don’t just toss them aside. One egg — complete with yolk — will give you about 40 IUs of vitamin D. Eggs will also provide you with potassium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, calcium and iron.
7. Certain cereals
It’s no surprise that the cereals found on store shelves are vastly different when it comes to nutrients. So you’ll need to do some serious detective work to find a brand that’s low in the bad stuff (sugar and artificial colors), but high in the good stuff, like vitamin D.
8. Soy milk
Fortified soy milk may offer a good dose of vitamin D, but as with all fortified products, the amounts may vary from one brand to the next. Check the label and look for one with 100-350 IUs of vitamin D per serving.
9. Tofu
If you think it’s just for vegetarians, think again. Tofu is a healthy source of protein, calcium, iron and — you guessed it — vitamin D. Add soft tofu to smoothies or creamy sauces, or try firm tofu in place of meat or chicken in stir-frys, curries, stews and sauces.
