How Do I Read a Food Label for Vitamin D Content?

The vitamin D content of a food is found on the Nutrition Facts Panel on the food label and expressed as the % Daily Value and in micrograms (mcg). The Daily Value (DV) should not be confused with recommended intakes. Adults under 70 years of age should consume 600 international units (IU) or 15 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D daily. Adults 70 years of age and above should consume 800 IU or 20mcg daily. Your healthcare provider may recommend more vitamin D than above stated amounts based on your individual needs.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that vitamin D content on food labels is listed per serving size. For example, the sample label below shows 2mcg or 10% DV of vitamin D and 260mg or 20%DV of calcium per serving of food. Knowing how to read food labels will help you find foods with vitamin D.