The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D is currently set at 600–800 IU/day (15–20 mcg) for adults. Fortified milk typically provides 100 IU per 8 oz serving (236 mL). So while milk can provide a good amount of vitamin D it may not be sufficient to ensure adequate daily intakes.
Children and adults up to age 70 need 600 IU of vitamin D each day (1). To help meet these needs, drink 2 cups (500 mL) of milk each day, or eat 75 grams of salmon, tuna or sardines every day. Use a vitamin D supplement when you can't get enough from your diet.
By measuring the maximum concentration over time, the researchers found bioavailability of vitamin D to be higher in milk and water.
Research has found that an average serving of 2 eggs contains 8.2mcg of vitamin D, a substantial portion of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin D [2], making them a great addition to the diet to support the intake of adequate levels of this vital vitamin.
The best food sources of vitamin D are oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Other sources include egg yolks, red meat, and liver. Vitamin D is added to some foods too, including breakfast cereals, plant milks and fat spreads.
Fortified Milk Offers a Double Whammy: Vitamin D and Calcium
In addition to being an excellent source of calcium, 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) of fortified whole milk has 95.6 IU of vitamin D, per the USDA. According to the NIH, that added vitamin D improves calcium absorption.
Nope, no vitamin D here. But bananas do contain plenty of magnesium. And guess what? Among the many reasons you need magnesium is that once your vitamin D is in your bloodstream, the magnesium puts it to work, making magnesium a must-have in order for you to access the many benefits of vitamin D.
In spring and summer, 25 percent of the body (the hands, face, neck and arms) is exposed to the sun, and in these seasons, about 8 to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. In the winter, only 10 percent of the body is exposed, and nearly 2 hours of sun exposure at noon is ...
Unfortunately, no fruits are high in vitamin D, and fortified orange juice is currently the only fruit product commonly sold with vitamin D.
Undoubtedly, cow's milk is an excellent source of calcium, with 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) providing 309 milligrams or 24% of your Daily Value. Calcium is vital for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth and ensuring the heart, nerves and muscles function properly.
The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Certain mushrooms contain some vitamin D2; in addition some commercially sold mushrooms contain higher amounts of D2 due to intentionally being exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet light.
Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, calcium, and proteins, but its content of vitamin D is low. Therefore, yogurt could be a good choice for vitamin D fortification to improve the positive health outcomes associated with its consumption.
But milk alternatives, such as soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and rice milk, may be a good option for getting vitamin D, especially now. Many milk alternatives are fortified with vitamin D, so they contain almost as much D as cow's milk.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.
It can take anywhere from 1-6 months to raise vitamin D levels with supplements. How much your levels increase and how long it takes will depend on the dose and your baseline vitamin D levels.
Because few foods naturally contain vitamin D, many foods are fortified with it. Vitamin D can also be obtained from sun exposure. Although carrots have no vitamin D, they contain other important nutrients that can benefit your health.
In summer and spring, with 22% of uncovered skin, 1000 IU vitamin D doses are synthesized in 10-15 min of sun exposure for adults.