health

 

Foods, including certain fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms, contain vitamin D. Changing your diet may help reduce or prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D affects many bodily functions, including bone health. Research also suggests low vitamin D levels may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases.

Many people don’t get enough vitamin D. It’s hard to know how many people are deficient because experts have not reached an agreement about what target levels should be,

Research suggests that about 35% of adults in the United States are vitamin D deficient. Other areas of the world may have higher rates of deficiency. It’s estimated that 80% of adults in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh have vitamin D deficiency

Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. There are a few reasons why getting enough vitamin D this way is hard.

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it’s smart to cover up, wear sunscreen, and avoid being outside during peak sun hours. People with more melanin vitamin D through their skin, increasing the risk of deficiency. And depending on where you live in the world, it may just not be possible to have enough year-round sun exposure.

That’s why getting vitamin D from food or supplements is best.

Daily recommended dose of vitamin D

The daily value (DV) for vitamin D is 800 IU (20 mcg). The vitamin D content is listed as a percentage of the DV on the nutrition facts label on food packages. This tells you what amount of your daily vitamin D requirement the food will provide 

It’s best to get vitamin D from food or supplements.

Whether you need a vitamin D supplement in addition to food and sun exposure is a question to ask your doctor. They can also help you find out if you are deficient.

Here are 7sevenhealthy foods that are high in vitamin D.

5 Great Foods That Are High in Vitamin D

40% of U.S. residents are deficient in vitamin D. This video covers healthy foods that are rich in Vitamin D to make sure you get enough.