What food is highest in vitamin D? What meals are high in vitamin D? Which fruit is high in vitamin D?
What food is highest in vitamin D?
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The foods highest in vitamin D are mostly animal-based, particularly fatty fish and certain fortified products. Here's a list of the top natural sources:
🐟 Top Natural Sources of Vitamin D:
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Cod liver oil – Highest source
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~450–1,000 IU per teaspoon (more than 100% DV)
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Fatty fish (per 3.5 oz or 100g cooked):
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Salmon (wild): ~600–1,000 IU
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Mackerel: ~360 IU
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Sardines (canned in oil): ~270 IU
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Tuna (canned in oil): ~230 IU
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Trout: ~600–700 IU
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Beef liver – ~50 IU per 3.5 oz
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Egg yolks – ~40–50 IU per yolk (higher if hens are pasture-raised or fed vitamin D)
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Cheese (some types, small amounts) – ~10–15 IU per ounce
Fortified Foods (amounts vary by brand):
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Fortified milk (cow or plant-based): ~100–150 IU per cup
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Fortified orange juice: ~100 IU per cup
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Fortified cereals: ~40–100 IU per serving
What meals are high in vitamin D?
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Here are several meals high in vitamin D, focusing on combinations of natural and fortified sources:
1. Grilled Salmon with Roasted Veggies
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Vitamin D content: ~600–1,000 IU
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Use wild-caught salmon for the highest levels.
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Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli for added nutrients.
Tuna Salad Sandwich on Whole Grain Bread
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Vitamin D content: ~200–300 IU (with canned tuna in oil)
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Add a slice of fortified cheese or serve with fortified orange juice for a boost.
Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Cheese
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Vitamin D content: ~100–200 IU (depending on egg source and cheese)
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Add UV-exposed mushrooms (like maitake or portobello) for plant-based vitamin D.
Fortified Cereal with Fortified Plant-Based Milk
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Vitamin D content: ~200–300 IU per serving
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Choose cereals labeled “fortified with vitamin D” and a plant milk (like soy or almond) that’s fortified as well.
Sardine and Avocado Salad
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Vitamin D content: ~270 IU (from sardines)
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Sardines on a bed of leafy greens with avocado and lemon vinaigrette.
Cod Liver Oil Smoothie (Hidden Boost)
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Vitamin D content: ~450–1,000 IU from 1 tsp cod liver oil
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Add to a smoothie with strong flavors (berries, citrus) to mask the taste.
Mushroom & Cheese Omelet
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Vitamin D content: ~150–300 IU
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Combine eggs, fortified cheese, and sunlight-exposed mushrooms for a vitamin D-rich breakfast.
Vegan Option
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Tofu stir-fry with UV-exposed mushrooms and fortified plant milk in the sauce
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Vitamin D content: ~150–250 IU depending on ingredients
Which fruit is high in vitamin D?
Read moreNo fruits naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D is mostly found in:
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Fatty fish
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Egg yolks
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Beef liver
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Fortified foods (e.g., milk, orange juice)
The Exception:
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Some fortified orange juices (sold in stores) are enriched with vitamin D — around 100 IU per cup — but this is added, not natural.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking to increase vitamin D through fruit, your only option is fortified fruit juices, particularly orange juice labeled with added vitamin D.
What food is highest in D?
The food highest in vitamin D is:
Cod Liver Oil
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Vitamin D: ~450–1,000 IU per teaspoon
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That’s over 100% of the daily recommended intake (600–800 IU for most adults)
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Also very high in vitamin A and omega-3s
Fatty Fish (per 3.5 oz or 100g cooked):
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Wild Salmon: 600–1,000 IU
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Rainbow Trout: 600–700 IU
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Mackerel: ~360 IU
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Sardines (canned): ~270 IU
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Tuna (canned): ~230 IU
Other Notables:
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UV-exposed Mushrooms (like maitake or portobello): up to 400–1,000 IU
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Fortified foods (milk, juice, cereal, plant milks): ~100–150 IU per serving
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Egg yolks: ~40–50 IU per yolk
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Beef liver: ~50 IU per 3.5 oz
Recap:
#1 Highest food source of vitamin D: Cod liver oil
#1 Whole food source (not supplement): Wild salmon or UV-exposed mushroomsWhat is the best vitamin D?
Read moreThe best form of vitamin D depends on your goals and how you're getting it (diet, supplement, or sun). Here's a clear breakdown:
🏆 Best Form Overall: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
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More effective than D2 at raising and maintaining blood levels
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Found naturally in animal-based foods (e.g., fish, egg yolks)
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Available in both over-the-counter supplements and prescription doses
🥈 Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
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Derived from plants or fungi (often used in vegan supplements)
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Less potent and shorter-lasting than D3
Still effective, but D3 is preferred unless you're strictly plant-based
🌱 Best Vegan Vitamin D:
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Vitamin D3 from lichen (plant-based source)
Just as effective as regular D3, suitable for vegans
Best Supplement Brands (Trusted & High Quality):
Look for:
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USP-verified or third-party tested brands
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D3 form, preferably with healthy fats for absorption
Popular brands include:
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Thorne
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NOW Foods
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Nature Made (USP-verified)
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Pure Encapsulations
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Garden of Life (vegan option)
☀️ Best Natural Source:
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Sun exposure (10–30 min a few times/week, depending on skin tone, location, time of year)
Summary:
- Best natural food source: Cod liver oil
- Best everyday foods: Wild salmon, trout, fortified milk/juice
- Best form: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Best for vegans: Plant-based D3 from lichen
- Best natural food: Cod liver oil or wild salmon
- Best non-food source: Sunlight in moderation