Dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Major Dietary Sources of Calcium
Dairy products are consistently identified as the primary dietary source of calcium across diverse populations and age groups. In the United States, dairy products contribute the largest share of calcium intake, with the percentage varying by ethnicity and sex, ranging from about 19% to nearly 38% of total calcium intake. Low-fat milk and cheese are particularly significant contributors within the dairy category Sharma2016Lo2024. Similarly, in Colombia and Spain, dairy products account for at least 48% of dietary calcium, with cheese-containing traditional foods being especially important Amaya-Montoya2021Olza2017. In young Canadian children, fluid cow’s milk and cheese are the most frequently consumed sources of calcium .
In India, however, non-dairy sources such as cereals are the main contributors to calcium intake, especially in rural and tribal populations, due to lower consumption of milk and milk products . This highlights regional differences in dietary patterns and the importance of considering local food habits when addressing calcium intake.
Major Dietary Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is less abundant in foods compared to calcium. In the United States, dairy products are the main source of vitamin D for most groups, except for some populations such as Native Hawaiian and Japanese American men, where fish is the leading contributor . In Colombia, eggs are the primary source of vitamin D, although their contribution decreases with age . In Spain, fish is the main dietary source of vitamin D, while dairy products also contribute . Among Canadian children, bakery products and fluid cow’s milk are notable sources of vitamin D, though overall intake remains low .
Non-Dairy and Fortified Food Sources
Non-dairy sources of calcium include certain fruits, bakery products, and water, which are commonly consumed by children in Canada . For vitamin D, non-dairy sources such as fish, eggs, and fortified foods (like some bakery products) play a significant role, especially in populations with low dairy consumption or where dairy is not fortified with vitamin D Sharma2016Amaya-Montoya2021Lo2024+1 MORE.
Influence of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors
Socioeconomic status and education level are important factors influencing calcium and vitamin D intake. In Colombia, higher socioeconomic status and education are associated with greater intake of both nutrients . Age also plays a role, with both calcium and vitamin D intake tending to decrease as people get older Amaya-Montoya2021Bailey2010.
Supplementation and Fortification
Dietary supplements are a significant source of both calcium and vitamin D, especially in populations where dietary intake alone is insufficient. In the United States, supplement use increases the likelihood of meeting recommended intake levels, particularly among older adults . Fortification of foods, such as milk and bakery products, is another strategy to improve intake, especially in regions where natural dietary sources are limited Lo2024Harinarayan2021.
Conclusion
Dairy products are the leading dietary source of calcium and, in many populations, also a major source of vitamin D. Fish, eggs, and fortified foods are important non-dairy sources, especially for vitamin D. Regional dietary habits, socioeconomic status, and age influence intake levels. Where dietary sources are inadequate, supplementation and food fortification are effective strategies to help populations meet recommended intakes of calcium and vitamin D Sharma2016Amaya-Montoya2021Lo2024+3 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic