Vitamin D otherwise known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a necessary nutrient that is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight.

But it can also be found in a limited number of foods. From helping maintain strong bones to supporting a healthy immune system, vitamin D actually functions as a hormone in the body and has significant health benefits. But about 42% of Americans are deficient in the nutrient.

While it doesn’t take much sun exposure to get your vitamin D fix for the day, cold temperatures, limited exposure to sunlight and concerns on increasing risk of skin cancers can make this difficult.

Many require vitamin D supplementation to keep their levels consistent, but there are a few vitamin D foods that are worth adding into your diet to reap the nutritional benefits of this powerful nutrient and meet the recommended Daily Value of 20 mcg or 800 IU. Here are some of the highest vitamin D foods to incorporate into your daily routine:

NEXT page….