Vitamin D foods are common and readily available, yet many people are not aware how to get this vital nutrient in their diet. Interestingly, vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin, because our skin produces D vitamin when exposed to direct sunlight. But even though our bodies produce it naturally it is possible to become deficient in this vitamin, especially if you work indoors or do not get much direct daylight exposure.

Based on that knowledge, you might assume that the only viable way to receive adequate amounts of vitamin D is to spend time in the sun. However, it is possible to get plenty of this vitamin in your diet by eating commonly available foods. In fact, there are a variety of different vitamin D foods that can provide your body with adequate amounts of this nutrient.

Common Vitamin D Foods

Nutritionists and dieticians have known for quite some time that there are a wide variety of animal products which are good sources of vitamin D. Fish that are high in fat tend to be the most reliable sources. Additionally, eggs can be a good source as well, as the yolks contain it in moderate amounts.

Here are a few common sources of Vitamin D:

– Wild salmon

– Catfish

– Cod liver oil

– Sardines

– Tuna

– Organic egg yolk

Vegans and Vitamin D

Vegans may have a difficult time getting Vitamin D in their diets. Since dairy products are commonly fortified with the vitamin, lacto-vegetarians should not have a problem getting adequate amounts. So for those who are not strict vegans, a quick and easy way to get enough of this vitamin is to make sure to eat dairy foods daily.

But given the fact that strict vegetarians do not eat any foods that are derived from animals, they are not able to rely on dairy as a source of vitamin D. And, since mushrooms are the only natural vegan vitamin D foods, those who are strict vegetarians may find it necessary to supplement their diet to avoid a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Supplementation

As you can see, there are a variety of foods that are high in vitamin D. Therefore, you do have a little bit more flexibility with regards to what kinds of foods you can eat to get enough vitamin D in your diet. Daily intake of dairy and fish should be enough to ensure you receive enough to meet recommended daily allowances of this nutrient.

But what if you don’t like fish and dairy products, or have an allergy to these foods? If you are unable or unwilling to eat foods that contain vitamin D, and likewise are not able to obtain vitamin D as a result of exposure to sunlight, then you may need to take a multivitamin supplement that includes D vitamin. It’s certainly worthwhile to explore what dietary supplements you can take to provide you with the necessary amounts of vitamin D to keep your body healthy and strong. So, in the absence of eating vitamin D foods you will want to take a supplement to prevent a potential deficiency.