Vitamin d content in salmon
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Vitamin D Content in Wild vs. Farmed Salmon
Wild salmon is generally much higher in vitamin D than farmed salmon. Studies show that wild Atlantic salmon can contain between 9.4 and 18.5 µg of vitamin D3 per 100 grams, depending on where the fish is caught, with Baltic Sea salmon at the higher end and North Sea salmon at the lower end . In contrast, farmed salmon typically contains less vitamin D, with reported values ranging from 1.6 to 9.5 µg per 100 grams, and most commonly between 2.3 and 7.3 µg per 100 grams 147. One study found that farmed salmon had only about 25% of the vitamin D content of wild salmon .
Factors Influencing Vitamin D Levels in Salmon
The vitamin D content in salmon is influenced by several factors, including the fish’s diet, its environment, and its weight and fat content. Farmed salmon’s lower vitamin D levels are linked to changes in fish feed composition, which has reduced the amount of vitamin D in the fillet over time 159. There is also a linear relationship between vitamin D3 content and both the weight and fat content of farmed salmon . Supplementing farmed salmon feed with vitamin D3 or ingredients like microalgae (Nannochloropsis gaditana) can significantly increase the vitamin D3 content in the fish .
Vitamin D Content in Processed Salmon Products
Processing and cooking methods can affect the vitamin D content in salmon. For example, canned pink salmon in water contains about 3.6 µg of vitamin D3 per 100 grams, which is lower than many fresh or wild-caught samples . Cooking methods such as oven cooking and grilling are more effective at preserving vitamin D content compared to frying, and higher internal temperatures during cooking can reduce vitamin D levels .
Impact of Salmon Consumption on Human Vitamin D Status
Eating salmon can help increase dietary vitamin D intake, but it may not be enough to maintain optimal vitamin D status, especially in seasons with little sunlight. Studies in young women and adults in northern latitudes found that even regular consumption of salmon (providing about 5–7 µg of vitamin D per day or 750 g per week) slowed the decline in blood vitamin D levels during autumn, but did not prevent it entirely 38. This suggests that while salmon is a good source of vitamin D, other factors such as sunlight exposure and individual metabolism also play important roles in maintaining vitamin D status.
Conclusion
Salmon is a valuable dietary source of vitamin D, but the content varies widely depending on whether the fish is wild or farmed, its diet, and how it is processed or cooked. Wild salmon generally provides more vitamin D than farmed salmon. While eating salmon can help increase vitamin D intake, it may not be sufficient alone to maintain optimal vitamin D levels, especially in populations with limited sun exposure. Further research and improvements in farmed salmon feed could help enhance the vitamin D content of this important food source 14579.
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