Vitamin D in food

The vitamin D derived from food and supplements is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin DThe vitamin D metabolite widely (and erroneously) considered best indicator of vitamin D "deficiency." Inactivates the Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of vitamin D3 in the liver. , the form of vitamin D which dysregulates the Vitamin D ReceptorA nuclear receptor located throughout the body that plays a key role in the innate immune response., preventing the innate immune system from functioning properly. Such dysregulation counteracts the effects of olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor.. A 25-DThe vitamin D metabolite widely (and erroneously) considered best indicator of vitamin D "deficiency." Inactivates the Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of vitamin D3 in the liver. level of under 12 ng/ml allows the immune system to function properly.

Patients on the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP) are required to avoid all ingested forms of vitamin D.

A number of foods contain vitamin D, either naturally or because it has been added during processing. It is important to read labels. However, sometimes a label will not state that a food is supplemented with vitamin D. In such cases, the only real way for a MP patient to determine whether a food has vitamin D is to test his/her 25-D level. A 25-D level of 12 ng/ml or less indicates successful avoidance of ingested vitamin D.

A list of selected foods and their respective vitamin D content is shown below. A discussion of the vitamin D in different types of food, including substitutes, is available, as is a discussion of food supplementation policy. So too is a comprehensive list of 1,800 foods containing vitamin D.

It is important to note that the exact nature of any given patient's response to vitamin D may vary according to individual health and the amount of vitamin D consumed. Individual discretion is advised.

This list is meant to be comprehensive. If a food is not listed here, it probably does not contain vitamin D. Further reassurance can be obtained through internet research or by contacting the manufacturer of the food product. Obviously, it is always a good idea to check the label.

A comprehensive list of all foods and their vitamin D content is also available.

Most dairy products do not have much naturally-occurring vitamin D. They are supplemented with it. Dairy products containing animal fat are more likely to contain natural vitamin D than those lacking animal fat.

• most milk (US)
• some powdered milk
• other kinds of “milk” including soy milk and rice milk - check the label
• some yogurts - check the label
• any dairy product fortified with more than 6% vitamin A - this indicates it may also contain vitamin D that is not listed (this is true of dairy products only)
• ice cream - if and when eggs/egg yolks/liquid yolk are listed as an ingredient
• some cheeses are fortified with vitamin D

Seafood contains naturally-occurring vitamin D. Generally, cold-water fish, such as salmon, have more vitamin D than warm-water fish.

• all fish - salmon, tuna, flounder, catfish, sardines, mackerel, cod, etc.
• all seafood - oysters, herring, perch, scallops, etc.
• all shellfish - shrimp, lobster, clams, crab, crayfish, etc.
• fish sauce - often found in oriental foods
• caviar (roe)
• anchovies

These is no consensus on how much vitamin D different forms of meat typically contain. Some have suggested that factory feed increase vitamin D levels. Others have said that fattier meats have higher levels of vitamin D. Fattier meats include:

• beef tripe
• beef kidney
• blood pudding
• sausage made with blood
• foods fried in pork lard
• bacon
• liver - lamb, beef, pork, paste, chicken, etc.

Anything that contains egg yolks has vitamin D, including:

• mayonnaise
• ranch salad dressing

• pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• sunflower seeds
• flax seeds

• alfalfa
• mushrooms
• seaweed
• kelp - check processed food ingredients

• fish oils including cod liver oil - contain very high levels of vitamin D
• flax seed oil
• sunflower oil
• primrose oil
• hemp oil
• avocado oil (unconfirmed)
• grapeseed oil (unconfirmed)

• kelp supplements
• multivitamins
• mushroom supplements
• omega 3 supplements - often made from krill
• prescription or over-the-counter herbals - may contain hidden, unlisted vitamin D
• prescription or over-the-counter minerals - may contain hidden, unlisted vitamin D
• powdered whey protein supplements - may contain hidden, unlisted vitamin D; note that foods made with whey are not prohibited

Some forms of beer may contain large amounts of vitamin D but there are no clear and consistent indications which ones.

• Worcestershire sauce - contains anchovies
• Caesar salad dressing - contains egg yolks & Worcestershire sauce or anchovies (ingredients)
• some margarine
• some breakfast cereals - both hot and cold
• some breads
• some protein drinks
• some diet drinks
• some cereal bars
• some nutrition bars
• some fruit juice