Question 1

Is vitamin D3 naturally occurring?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D3 is naturally synthesized in human skin upon exposure to UVB sunlight and is found in some animal products like fatty fish. However, for food fortification, it is typically extracted from sources like lanolin or lichen and then purified for consistency and stability.

Question 2

Why is vitamin D3 often added to milk and plant-based beverages?

Accepted Answer

Milk and plant-based alternatives are common vehicles for vitamin D3 fortification because they are widely consumed beverages, especially by children. Adding vitamin D3 helps ensure adequate intake for bone health, working synergistically with the beverages' calcium content.

Question 3

Would a 1950s Italian grandmother have added vitamin D3 to her food?

Accepted Answer

Nonna would not have added isolated vitamin D3 to her cooking. Her family would have naturally obtained it through sunlight exposure, consuming certain fatty fish, or from fortified milk, which became a common practice by the mid-20th century.

Is Vitamin D3 Real Food?

The manufacturer’s reason.

How it shows up in the wild.

Products containing Vitamin D3.

Pebbles Cereal

Organic Yogurt

Alpen Cereal

Rice Krispies Cereal

Cheerios (likely Original)

Frequently asked questions.