An evaluation of the vitamin D3 content in fish: Is the vitamin D content adequate to satisfy the dietary requirement for vitamin D?

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Mar;103(3-5):642-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.12.010. Epub 2007 Jan 30.

Abstract

It has been suggested that the major source of vitamin D should come from dietary sources and not sun exposure. However, the major fortified dietary source of vitamin D is milk which often does not contain at least 80% of what is stated on the label. Fish has been touted as an excellent source of vitamin D especially oily fish including salmon and mackerel. Little is known about the effect of various cooking conditions on the vitamin D content in fish. We initiated a study and evaluated the vitamin D content in several species of fish and also evaluated the effect of baking and frying on the vitamin D content. Surprisingly, farmed salmon had approximately 25% of the vitamin D content as wild salmon had. The vitamin D content in fish varied widely even within species. These data suggest that the tables that list the vitamin D content are out-of-date and need to be re-evaluated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cholecalciferol / analysis*
  • Cholecalciferol / biosynthesis*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Diet*
  • Salmon / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cholecalciferol