Vitamin D intake in the United States

Abstract

Mean intake of vitamin D in the United States was estimated from food and food plus supplements and compared with recommended intake levels. US men, nonpregnant and nonlactating women, and nonbreastfeeding children aged 1 year and older who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) or the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994–1996, 1998 (CSFII 1994–1996, 1998) were included in the estimates. Intake of vitamin D from food sources and dietary supplements was not meeting recommended levels. The lowest intakes of vitamin D from food were reported by female teenagers and female adults. The highest intakes of vitamin D from food sources were reported by male teenagers. Dairy products were the primary sources of both vitamin D and calcium. Additional food fortification as well as dietary and supplement guidance are needed for the general population.