Dietary sources of vitamin D and calcium
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Major Dietary Sources of Calcium
Dairy products are consistently identified as the primary dietary source of calcium across diverse populations and age groups. Milk, cheese, and other dairy foods contribute the largest share of calcium intake in the United States, Canada, Spain, and Colombia, with dairy accounting for at least 48% of dietary calcium in all subgroups studied in Colombia and being the main source in Spain and the U.S. as well 1235. In young children, fluid cow’s milk and cheese are the most frequently consumed sources of calcium . In Spain, milk and dairy products are the leading contributors, followed by cereals and grains .
Non-dairy sources of calcium include certain fruits, bakery products, and water, which are commonly consumed by children, though their calcium content is generally lower than that of dairy products . Cheese-containing traditional foods also play a significant role in calcium intake in some cultures, such as in Colombia .
Main Dietary Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is less abundant in foods than calcium, and its primary dietary sources vary by region and population. In the United States, dairy products are the main contributors to vitamin D intake for most groups, except for some populations (such as Native Hawaiian and Japanese American men) where fish is the top source . In Spain, fish is the leading dietary source of vitamin D, while in Colombia, eggs are the main source, although their contribution decreases with age 25.
Other notable sources of vitamin D include fortified foods (such as milk, yogurt, breakfast cereals, orange juice, and plant-based beverages), fish liver oils, mushrooms, cheese, beef liver, and eggs . However, few foods naturally contain high levels of vitamin D, with fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), fish liver oils, and certain mushrooms being among the richest sources .
The Role of Fortified Foods and Supplements
Because it is difficult to meet recommended vitamin D intake through diet alone, especially in populations with limited sun exposure, fortified foods and dietary supplements are important sources of vitamin D 4678. In the U.S., a significant portion of the population uses dietary supplements to help meet the recommended intakes for both calcium and vitamin D, with supplement use associated with a higher prevalence of meeting intake recommendations .
Recommended Intakes and Population Trends
Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for calcium range from 700 to 1300 mg per day depending on age, while for vitamin D, RDAs are 600 IU per day for most adults and 800 IU per day for those over 70 years, assuming minimal sun exposure 67. Many populations, including children and adults in North America and Europe, have intakes below these recommendations, particularly for vitamin D 35.
Conclusion
Dairy products are the leading dietary source of calcium in most populations, while vitamin D sources are more varied and often include fish, eggs, and fortified foods. Because few foods naturally contain high levels of vitamin D, fortified foods and supplements are often necessary to meet recommended intakes, especially in regions with limited sunlight. Public health strategies should focus on promoting these key dietary sources to help populations achieve adequate calcium and vitamin D intake 1234+4 MORE.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
100 YEARS OF VITAMIN D: Dietary intake and main food sources of vitamin D and calcium in Colombian urban adults
Higher socioeconomic status and education levels are associated with higher vitamin D and calcium intake in Colombian urban adults.
Estimation of total usual calcium and vitamin D intakes in the United States.
Dietary supplement use is associated with higher prevalence of meeting adequate intake recommendations for calcium and vitamin D, with higher intake in males and females aged 1-3 years.
Sources of vitamin D for humans.
Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure, dietary sources, and supplements, with fortified foods and certain fish, mushrooms, and lichen being rich sources.
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