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Is cheese a source of vitamin D?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 17, 2026

You might be surprised to learn that most cheeses are extremely low in vitamin D since they're not fortified. However, ricotta cheese stands out as the highest natural cheese source of vitamin D, with 25 IUs of the nutrient (or, five times as much as most other cheeses).

Is cheese a good source of vitamin D?

Cheese. It's high in fat, so you shouldn't go too crazy on the Babybels, but cheese is also a decent provider of vitamin D.

What food is high in vitamin D?

Food Sources

  • Cod liver oil.
  • Salmon.
  • Swordfish.
  • Tuna fish.
  • Orange juice fortified with vitamin D.
  • Dairy and plant milks fortified with vitamin D.
  • Sardines.
  • Beef liver.

Does milk and cheese have vitamin D?

Milk, cheese, and yogurt.

While dairy products don't contain as many units of vitamin D, they're still better than no vitamin D in your diet, she says.

Is dairy a good source of vitamin D?

Whether it's lowfat, organic or flavored, all types of dairy milk are an excellent source of vitamin D and provides other essential nutrients including: B vitamins for energy, high-quality protein for lean muscle, vitamin A for a healthy immune system and four bone-building nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus.

25 related questions found

How can I raise my vitamin D levels quickly?

You can raise your vitamin D levels quickly in three main ways: Getting outside and exposing your skin to sunlight. Taking a vitamin D supplement.
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Eat foods rich in vitamin D

  1. Cod liver oil*
  2. Trout*
  3. Salmon*
  4. Mushrooms*
  5. Fortified dairy and non-dairy milks.
  6. Fortified cereals.
  7. Sardines.
  8. Eggs.

Which milk is high in vitamin D?

Many dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D as well, as are non-dairy alternatives like soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. Fortified milk typically has around 3mg (120 IU) of vitamin D, and non-dairy alternatives have between 2.5 and 3.6mg per 1 cup.

Do blueberries have vitamin D?

They're chock full of antioxidants (like vitamin C) and high in fiber, vitamin K, manganese and potassium. But vitamin D is neither hiding nor in plain sight in blueberries.

Do carrots have vitamin D?

Although carrots have no vitamin D, they contain other important nutrients that can benefit your health.

What stops the absorption of vitamin D?

Some factors that may reduce or block its absorption include: Conditions such as celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis. These can all affect the intestines, preventing them from absorbing vitamin D found in food.

Is Cheddar cheese high in vitamin D?

Depending what kind you get, cheese can naturally contain upwards of 30 IU of vitamin D per one-cup serving.

Does sharp cheddar cheese have vitamin D?

Sharp cheddar has 11 times more vitamin D and way more flavor than the lowfat stuff so you usually eat less. Plus, cheese could actually help you lose weight; it contains butyrate, a fatty acid that, when eaten in moderation, can keep your waistline trim.

Does broccoli have vitamin D?

Calcium and Vitamin D:

While broccoli does not have Vitamin D, it is a great source of calcium, which goes hand in hand with Vitamin D. Vitamin D and Calcium helps to keep bones strong and can help to prevent osteoporosis.

Do nuts have vitamin D?

Although nuts and seeds offer other nutritional benefits, vitamin D is not one of them.

How can you tell if you have low vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression. To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.
...
Signs and symptoms might include:

  1. Fatigue.
  2. Bone pain.
  3. Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
  4. Mood changes, like depression.

Do pineapples have vitamin D?

The favorite choice for the term "Pineapples" is 1 cup of diced Pineapple which has about 60 mg of Vitamin C. The amount of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium and Iron for a variety of types and serving sizes of Pineapples is shown below.

How many minutes of sun do you need for vitamin D?

Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. People with darker skin may need a little more than this. Your exposure time should depend on how sensitive your skin is to sunlight.

Do you get vitamin D through clothes?

If you wear clothing that covers most of your skin, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This also means that people who train indoors during winter months may have to dig into their bodies' vitamin D stores if they don't consume enough, which further increases their risk for deficiency.

How can I check my vitamin D levels at home?

At-home tests typically have you prick and squeeze a finger to collect a smaller blood sample. It's easier to measure 25-OH D because it lasts longer in the bloodstream, around 14 days, and it's also easier to detect changes in 25-OH D levels that are associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Does butter contain vitamin D?

Butter contains vitamin D, a nutrient that is vital for bone growth and development. It also has calcium, which is essential for bone strength.

Does coffee affect vitamin D absorption?

Caffeine inhibits vitamin D receptors, which limit the amount that will be absorbed. Because vitamin D is important in the absorption and use of calcium in building bone, this could also decrease bone mineral density, resulting in an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Why is my vitamin D low when I get lots of sun?

The pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Does magnesium help vitamin D absorption?

Magnesium is a critical factor in making Vitamin D bioavailable. Without magnesium present, Vitamin D is stored in the body and not used. The body depends on magnesium to convert Vitamin D into its active form within the body.

What should you not take with magnesium?

Taking magnesium with these medications might cause blood pressure to go too low. Some of these medications include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.