01/03/2026
Shorter Days, Still Need Vitamin D.
As daylight becomes limited during the fall and winter months, getting enough vitamin D remains essential for bone strength, immune health, and brain function. Vitamin D comes in different forms, but many animal-based foods naturally provide vitamin D3, the form your body uses most efficiently.
Here are a few foods that naturally contain vitamin D3:
- Salmon
A 3-ounce serving provides about 70 percent of your daily vitamin D needs.
- Rainbow trout
Even more concentrated, offering more than 80 percent of the daily value.
- Sardines
Rich in vitamin D, plus omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
- Egg yolks
A simple, versatile way to add a small vitamin D boost to meals.
While food sources help, many people, especially those living in regions with limited winter sunlight, may still need a vitamin D supplement. The right dose depends on your individual needs and should be guided by your physician after a blood test checks your vitamin D level.