The amount of vitamin D in milk 2% milk (fortified): 105 IU, 26% of the DV. 1% milk (fortified): 98 IU, 25% of the DV. nonfat milk (fortified): 100 IU, 25% of the DV.
Reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%), and nonfat milk have vitamin A and vitamin D added, since these vitamins are lost when the fat is removed. Natural levels of vitamin D are low, so most milk producers add vitamin D to whole milk.
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.
Fortified milk typically has around 3mg (120 IU) of vitamin D, and non-dairy alternatives have between 2.5 and 3.6mg per 1 cup. Yogurt has between 2 and 3mg of vitamin D per serving. Like cereals, some brands of fortified milk and non-dairy milk may contain added sugar.
Whole milk contains 5 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 24 percent of your daily value of vitamin D. After fortification, reduced-fat milk contains 9 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 29 percent of your daily value of vitamin D.
Different Types of Vitamin D
Cow's milk is fortified with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is derived from the lanolin found in sheep's wool. Plant-based milks (and plant-based yogurt) may be fortified with D2 (ergocalciferol), which is produced by irradiating yeast.
Since each serving of milk only contains about 100 to 180 IU of vitamin D, you'll probably need additional food sources to meet the daily recommended 600-800 IU intake (Holick, 2011). Experts agree a varied diet rich in foods with vitamin D is the best way to ensure you're meeting the daily requirement.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
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.
Whole Milk – 8 g protein, 9% daily recommended intake of potassium, 27% recommended daily intake of calcium, 5% RDA of Vitamin A, 24% RDA of Vitamin D. 2% Milk – 8 g protein, 9% RDA potassium, 29% RDA calcium, 9% RDA of Vitamin A, and 29% RDA of Vitamin D.
Cow's milk is a naturally good source of many nutrients, including calcium, phosphorous, and riboflavin ( 26 ). In several countries, cow's milk is fortified with vitamin D. In the United States, 1 cup of fortified cow's milk contains 115 IU of vitamin D per cup (237 mL), or about 15% of the DV ( 26 ).
Avocados, nuts, seeds, full fat dairy products, and eggs are nutritious sources of fat that help boost your vitamin D absorption. Studies indicate that having vitamin D with a large meal or source of fat can significantly increase absorption.
Editor's note: Nationally recognized nutrition expert Marion Nestle answers readers' questions in this column written exclusively for The Chronicle.
Milk does contain vitamin D. In fact, a report in the December 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reports that milk and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals serve as the main food sources of vitamin D in the United States.
Oranges may be the closest you'll get to a fruit containing vitamin D.
With a serve of two eggs providing 82% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin D, eggs contain one of the highest quantities of vitamin D of any food.
Unfortunately, no fruits are high in vitamin D, and fortified orange juice is currently the only fruit product commonly sold with vitamin D.
We recommend taking it with a source of quality fat in the morning or when you break your fast. Avoid taking vitamin D in the evening (we'll talk about why below). Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin—meaning it doesn't dissolve in water—your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Vitamin D3 supplements are thought to raise vitamin D levels in the bloodstream in around 24 hours. However, it takes up to 7 days for this to be converted into the active form of vitamin D – which is what a blood test will pick up.
You don't absorb enough vitamin D from food (a malabsorption problem) You don't get enough exposure to sunlight. Your liver or kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form in the body. You take medicines that interfere with your body's ability to convert or absorb vitamin D.
You can get vitamin D from fortified yogurt.
Greek-style yogurt that's been fortified boasts 60 IU per five ounces.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.