Do Drumsticks Have Vitamin D? Clarifying the Nutrient Content

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a cooked chicken drumstick provides a very small, often negligible, amount of vitamin D, whereas the vegetable moringa contains no vitamin D whatsoever. The frequent confusion over the question, “Do drumsticks have vitamin D?” arises because the name refers to two very different foods.

Quick Summary

The vitamin D content in drumsticks varies greatly depending on whether you are referring to chicken or moringa. Chicken drumsticks have a minimal amount of vitamin D, while moringa has none. The article explains the nutritional differences between these two foods and identifies more effective sources of vitamin D.

Key Points

Chicken vs. Moringa: The term 'drumstick' refers to two different foods; chicken drumsticks have trace vitamin D, while moringa drumsticks contain none.
Not a Primary Source: Neither chicken nor moringa drumsticks should be relied upon as a primary dietary source of vitamin D.
Fortified Foods are Key: Many common foods like milk, cereals, and orange juice are fortified to provide a reliable source of vitamin D.
Sunlight is Best: The most efficient way for humans to produce vitamin D is through sun exposure on their skin.
Focus on Variety: For adequate vitamin D, incorporate foods like fatty fish and UV-treated mushrooms into your diet.
Moringa's Other Perks: Despite lacking vitamin D, moringa is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants.

Do Drumsticks Have Vitamin D? A Tale of Two Foods

When people ask if drumsticks contain vitamin D, the simple answer can be misleading because the term "drumstick" can refer to two entirely different foods: the meat from a chicken leg and the pods from the Moringa oleifera tree, a vegetable commonly known as the drumstick tree. The nutritional profiles of these two food items, including their vitamin D content, are drastically different. To truly understand their health contributions, it's essential to distinguish between them.

The Vitamin D Content of Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a well-known source of protein, but they are not a significant source of vitamin D. A 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of cooked, skinless chicken drumstick meat contains only a minimal, trace amount of vitamin D, which is often listed as 0% of the Daily Value (DV) on food labels. While it's not a primary source for this particular vitamin, chicken drumstick meat offers a host of other valuable nutrients, including high-quality protein and several B vitamins, such as niacin and B12, which are crucial for energy and nerve function.

Other Nutrients in Chicken Drumsticks

Protein: An excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for building and repairing muscle tissue.
B Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins like niacin, B6, and B12, which support metabolism and overall energy levels.
Minerals: A good source of essential minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium, which play key roles in immunity and other bodily functions.
Fat: The fat content can be reduced by removing the skin before or after cooking, making it a leaner protein option.

The Vitamin D Content of Vegetable Drumsticks (Moringa)

The pods of the Moringa oleifera tree, known as vegetable drumsticks, are prized in many cultures for their exceptional nutritional profile. However, this powerful plant contains no naturally occurring vitamin D. Plants and fungi typically produce vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), while animals produce vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Moringa, like most vegetables, does not produce this nutrient.

Despite the lack of vitamin D, moringa is often referred to as a "miracle tree" due to its dense nutritional content. The pods and leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, including significant amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Its rich antioxidant properties also help protect the body from cellular damage.

Other Nutritional Benefits of Moringa

High in Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that is crucial for immune system health.
Rich in Calcium: Contributes to strong bones and can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Good Source of Iron: Boosts hemoglobin levels and aids in preventing anemia.
Abundant in Antioxidants: Contains compounds that combat oxidative stress and promote overall cellular health.
High in Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements.

Reliable Dietary Sources of Vitamin D

Since neither chicken nor moringa drumsticks are reliable sources of vitamin D, it is important to incorporate other foods and lifestyle factors to meet daily needs. The best dietary options include fatty fish, UV-treated mushrooms, and fortified foods. The primary way humans get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight.

Here is a list of dependable vitamin D sources:

Fatty Fish: Excellent natural sources of vitamin D include salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines.
Cod Liver Oil: A highly concentrated source of vitamin D in supplement form.
UV-Treated Mushrooms: When exposed to UV light, mushrooms can produce significant amounts of vitamin D2.
Fortified Foods: Many common foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, certain plant-based milks (soy, almond), cereals, and orange juice.
Egg Yolks: Eggs, especially from pasture-raised or vitamin-D-enriched hens, contain some vitamin D in their yolks.

Comparison: Chicken Drumsticks vs. Moringa Drumsticks


Feature	Chicken Drumsticks (Meat)	Moringa Drumsticks (Vegetable)
Primary Vitamin D Content	Very low (trace amounts, often 0% DV)	None (0% DV)
Key Nutrients	Protein, B Vitamins (B3, B6, B12), Iron, Zinc, Selenium	Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Fiber, Antioxidants
Best for Protein?	Yes, an excellent source of high-quality protein	No, significantly lower in protein compared to chicken
Best for Calcium?	No, contains a low amount of calcium	Yes, a rich source of calcium
Fat Content	High (especially with skin)	Very low
Primary Source	Animal-based	Plant-based

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of whether drumsticks have vitamin D depends on which drumstick you are consuming. While chicken drumsticks contain a trace amount, they are not a reliable source. Moringa drumsticks, despite their other impressive health benefits, contain none at all. To meet your daily vitamin D requirements, it is best to rely on a variety of sources, including fatty fish, UV-treated mushrooms, and fortified foods, alongside responsible sun exposure. Including a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, like both chicken and moringa for their respective strengths, is key to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. For more information on dietary sources and recommended intakes of vitamin D, visit the reliable resources provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main dietary sources of vitamin D are fatty fish, such as salmon and trout, as well as fortified foods like milk, cereals, and juices.

Yes, some plant-based foods can provide vitamin D. The most notable example is mushrooms, particularly those exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can produce vitamin D2.

The amount of vitamin D found in a standard chicken drumstick is very low and generally considered insufficient to provide a significant health benefit or meet daily needs.

Moringa, like most vegetables, does not produce the provitamin that converts to vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Most plant-based sources, with the exception of some fungi, do not naturally contain the vitamin.

A typical cooked, skinless chicken drumstick contains a negligible amount, often representing 0% of the recommended Daily Value, according to most nutrition tables.

Moringa drumsticks are rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, and are a great source of dietary fiber.

Sunlight is the most efficient way for the body to produce vitamin D. However, a combination of sun exposure, dietary sources, and sometimes supplements is often necessary, especially in regions with less sun.

Fortified foods are a safe and effective way to increase vitamin D intake, especially for populations that may not get enough from sun or natural food sources alone.