Now that days are shorter, it's natural that many of us aren't getting as much time in the sun. Since the sun triggers the creation of vitamin D in our bodies, we may not be getting enough of this essential vitamin, either. This is significant because vitamin D supports our bone health, immune system, calcium absorption and more.
While vitamin D supplements (if your doctor recommends them) are one way to get more of the vitamin, there are also certain foods that are rich in vitamin D. We list them below, but before making any significant changes to your diet, consult your doctor first.
Best foods for vitamin D
Salmon and egg yolks are just two foods rich in vitamin D. Getty Images
1. Salmon
The amount of vitamin D can vary depending on the fish you use. For example, one study found farmed salmon had 25% of the vitamin D content as found in wild-caught salmon. As such, if you're getting vitamin D from fish sources, try to opt for wild-caught fish instead of farmed-raised fish. The USDA says sockeye salmon has an average of 670 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving.
2. Swordfish
Another fatty fish that is an excellent source of vitamin D is swordfish. The USDA lists a 100-gram serving as having 666 IU of vitamin D. That's more than the 600 IU daily recommendation for people ages 1 to 70 years old, so cooking up some swordfish for dinner may help you easily meet your vitamin D needs.
3. Tuna
This lunchtime staple can also provide a significant source of vitamin D. While not as high as salmon or swordfish, fresh yellowfin tuna still contains 82 IU of vitamin D per 100-gram serving, according to the USDA. It can be a food to include as part of an overall diet rich in vitamin D. However, bluefin tuna has 227 IU of vitamin D per 100-gram serving, so check which type of tuna you're eating as well.
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