Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is different from other vitamins because our bodies can make most of what we need with exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D is more than a vitamin in that is acts as a pro-hormone and effects hormone balance and immune regulation of the body.
Most foods, unless they are fortified, are poor sources of vitamin D and there are only a small amount of vitamin D rich foods to choose from.
Vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption into the bones.
A deficiency in vitamin D can result in a softening of the bones called osteomalacia or a bone abnormality called rickets.
Some of the biggest vitamin D deficiency symptoms include:
Weakened immune system
Seasonal depression
Autoimmune disease
Cancer
Weak bones (osteopenia)
Skin issues eczema and psoriasis
Dementia
People most prone to a vitamin D deficiency include those who live in northern regions with little sunlight exposure, people with darker skin, people on low fat diets and those taking steroids and weight loss medications.
Vitamin D also helps with cell replication, and may play a role in the development of autoimmune conditions. The RDA for vitamin D is 600 IU/day and the Daily Value is 400 IU.
Top 10 Vitamin D Rich Foods
- Sunlight
Promotes vitamin D synthesis from cholesterol in the skin. - Cod liver oil
1 tsp: 440 IU (over 100% DV) - Sardines
3 ounces: 164 IU (41% DV) - Salmon
3 ounces: 400 IU (100% DV) - Mackerel
3 ounces: 400 IU (100% DV) - Tuna
3 ounces: 228 IU (57% DV) - Raw Milk
1 cup: 98 IU (24% DV) - Caviar
1 oz: 33 IU (8% DV) - Eggs
1 large: 41 IU (10% DV) - Mushrooms
1 cup: 2 IU (1% DV)