Suffering From Vitamin D Deficiency? 5 Powerful Natural Sources Of Vitamin D Beyond Sun Exposure

Vitamin D Natural Sources: Vitamin D is considered an essential nutrient present in the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones, increasing metabolism and giving a glowing, younger-looking skin. Although the body produces vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight, modern lifestyles such as indoor work have limited that exposure. Deficiency of vitamin D is a major health concern across the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 13 percent of the world population suffers from vitamin D deficiency, leading to symptoms like fatigue, bone pain and lowered immunity. For those who are unable to get sunlight exposure to produce vitamin D, here are five major natural sources of the nutrient.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the absorption of calcium for promoting the growth and mineralisation of bones. It also helps in the functioning of the immune, digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. Moreover, vitamin D may also prevent a variety of diseases like depression, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Natural Food Sources Of Vitamin D 

Fatty Fish And Seafood

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and others and seafood like oysters, shrimp, and anchovies are rich in vitamin D. They are the richest sources of vitamin D apart from the sun.

Mushrooms

This is the only vegetarian source of vitamin D. Mushrooms make this nutrient when they are exposed to sunlight. Regular consumption of this fungus helps increase vitamin D2 and D3 more efficiently and effectively.

Egg Yolks

Apart from being the biggest source of protein, egg yolks are high in vitamin D content. To attain a sufficient amount of vitamin D from egg yolks, it is advisable to consume at least twice a day.

Egg Yolk As Natural Source Of Vitamin D (Image Credits: Canva)

Cod Liver Oil

Including cod liver oil in the diet is a way to incorporate a natural source of vitamin D. Cod liver oil is also rich in vitamin A.

Fortified Foods

These are a group of foods that contain high levels of vitamin D, like milk, orange juice, cereals like oats, nuts like almonds and walnuts, yoghurt or Dahi and even soy products like tofu.

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