12 Foods Containing Vitamin D for Optimal Health
Have you eaten foods containing vitamin D? Although not the only way, meeting your daily intake of this vitamin helps boost your immune system and protect against chronic diseases.
So, where can we get our vitamin D? Find the answer in this article.
Daily Vitamin D Requirements

Strong, hard bones and healthy teeth are the contributions of vitamin D. A deficiency in this vitamin can also make people more prone to illness because the immune system is unable to regulate minerals in the blood.
Experts agree that babies up to 12 months old need 400 IU (International Units) per day. Then, those aged 1-70 years are advised to get 600 IU per day. Seniors, on the other hand, need 800 IU per day.
These requirements continue to increase as the body's systems become less efficient, which also reduces vitamin absorption.
What happens if you have a vitamin D deficiency? Rickets is the most common condition affecting children, starting with soft bones and leading to deformities. In adults, bones become brittle and prone to fractures, and osteoporosis develops more quickly.
Food and sunlight alone may not be optimal for providing vitamin D. To meet your needs, supplements can certainly be an alternative.
Like Vitamin D3 400 IU from Sido Muncul, this herbal supplement helps meet your daily vitamin intake – ideal for those who get little sun exposure or have difficulty consuming foods rich in vitamin D.
What Foods Contain Vitamin D?
We are always surrounded by sources rich in vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of foods we should be more aware of.
1. Egg Yolks

The protein in eggs is found in the whites. However, the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are the wonders of the yolk. A single egg yolk can provide up to 37 IU – making chicken egg yolk an affordable, easy-to-prepare food high in vitamin D.
2. Cod Liver Oil

This source of vitamin D is often used as a fish oil supplement. For good reason, cod – especially its liver oil – contains 450 IU per teaspoon. This is like meeting half the recommended daily intake. So what should you eat if you are deficient in vitamin D? Cod liver oil is the answer.
Read Also: Sido Muncul Natural Vitamin D3 400 IU: Benefits & Dosage
3. Mushrooms

Specifically, no plant-based product naturally provides significant vitamin D. But mushrooms are an exception. After exposure to sunlight's UV rays, this leafless plant produces vitamin D2, just like humans.
4. Herring and Sardines

These types of fish, which are often smoked or canned, fresh herring and sardines contain 214 IU of vitamin D per 100 grams. However, when packaged, they still offer around 113 IU for the same serving size. Remember, their sodium content is very high.
5. Cow's Milk

Cow's milk essentially provides a wealth of nutrients. Some manufacturers also fortify cow's milk. The result? This vitamin D-fortified milk delivers 115 IU per serving.
Read Also: 10 Benefits of Vitamin D for Overall Health
6. Orange Juice

Can't consume lactose? Orange juice is an alternative. Vitamin D fortification in orange juice can provide 100 IU per cup. A great breakfast choice, right?
7. Soy Milk

Plant-based products are not actually high in vitamin D. However, vitamin D fortification in soy milk means that some soy milk provides 100 IU per cup. Check the packaging label for more information.
8. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish is a food rich in vitamin D. In its fresh state, a single salmon fillet can provide 526 IU.
9. Cheese

Fortified foods are a source of vitamin D you might consider. Cheese is one of them – especially American cheese. A single slice of this cheese contains at least 50 IU – perfect to complement your daily meals. Check the label for complete information.
10. Canned Tuna

This type of seafood offers 269 IU per serving, especially in canned form. However, nutritionists recommend consuming it only once a week (100 grams), especially due to concerns about mercury in tuna meat.
11. Yogurt

Vitamin D fortification makes yogurt one of the good sources of vitamin D. Every 100 grams, this food provides between 80-120 IU. However, it is important to remember that yogurt alone is not actually a major source of vitamin D – fortification makes its vitamin content even higher.
12. Beef Liver

Although not the primary choice among foods rich in vitamin D, this organ contributes 50 IU per 3.5 ounces. However, limit your consumption of offal – including beef liver – due to its high cholesterol content.
A balanced diet should be combined with outdoor activities to get sufficient UV exposure. Above all, balanced nutrition from foods containing vitamin D and an active lifestyle are the beginning of optimal health.