Vitamin D Rich Foods - List of Foods with Vitamin D

Vitamin D contributes immensely to your overall well-being in many ways. Vitamin D comes in different forms and the ones important for humans are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Those who receive sufficient amounts of vitamin D can reap plenty of health benefits. Vitamin D plays a significant role in the development of healthy bones and teeth. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential to keep the bones strong. That is why vitamin D foods are often recommended to prevent early bone deterioration. Vitamin D is essential for optimal functioning of the immune system. It aids in calcification, thus regulating calcium levels in your blood. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D protects our body from cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure) and autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D Food Sources
Vitamin D is found naturally in a variety of foods. Consuming these foods is the best way to stay away from health problems that occur due to the deficiency of vitamin D. Intake of vitamin D rich foods will allow you to develop and grow the way you should. Below is a list of foods with vitamin D.

• Eggs, liver and milk are considered the best vitamin D rich foods. A glass of milk is not only beneficial for children but for adults too. This is because milk is packed with essential nutrients including vitamin D. A recent research has concluded that the key nutrient in milk, vitamin D, provides anti-aging benefits. Milk is considered to be the primary source of vitamin D and so must be a part of your diet.
• Fishes like mackerel, salmon and sardines contain a high amount of vitamin D
• Cod liver oil, halibut liver oil and shark liver oil are also good source of vitamin D. Other foods rich in vitamin D include cheese, cream, yogurt and margarine.
• Dairy products such as ice cream, also contain vitamin D. Although milk is rich in vitamin D, dairy products contain a low amount of vitamin D
• Breakfast cereals and corn flakes are also fortified with vitamin D
• Dark leafy vegetables and mashed potatoes contain vitamin D in smaller amounts.

Vitamin D Deficiency
Deficiency of vitamin D obstructs the absorption of calcium, which can severely affect the bones and the joints. A diet lacking in vitamin D can lead to a high risk of osteoporosis and joint pain. Calcium deficiency is often linked to a low intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency in children often causes rickets, a condition that causes skeletal deformities. People who frequently drink iced tea and soft drinks, generally suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

If your diet includes the above mentioned list of foods with vitamin D, then there is absolutely no need to take additional vitamin D supplements. Having too much vitamin D in the diet is also not good for health. It is better to consult a doctor to know whether you really need vitamin D supplements in your diet. As research continues, new benefits of consuming vitamin D rich foods are being unveiled. So, vitamin D has proved itself an integral part of our diet.