How much vitamin D is in chamomile tea?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA nutrition data, brewed chamomile tea contains zero micrograms (0 mcg) of vitamin D. This dispels the common misconception that this relaxing herbal beverage can contribute to your daily intake of the 'sunshine vitamin.'

Quick Summary

Chamomile tea contains no vitamin D. This article clarifies its actual nutritional content and explains where the body gets vitamin D, including sun exposure, fortified foods, and fatty fish.

Key Points

Zero Vitamin D: Brewed chamomile tea contains 0 mcg of vitamin D, contrary to some myths.
Not a Fortified Beverage: Unlike milk or cereal, chamomile tea is not fortified with vitamin D, and the chamomile plant itself is not a natural source.
Focus on Real Sources: Primary sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish, and fortified foods.
Chamomile's True Benefits: The tea's real value lies in its calming effects and rich antioxidant profile, which aid sleep and digestion.
Supplementation for Deficiency: Dietary supplements are an effective way to address a vitamin D deficiency, especially for those with limited sun exposure or dietary intake.
Consult a Professional: If you have concerns about your vitamin D intake, it is always best to speak with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The Surprising Answer: Zero Vitamin D

While chamomile tea is celebrated for its calming and antioxidant-rich properties, it provides no nutritional value regarding vitamin D. Many consumers assume that because it is a natural, plant-based beverage, it must contain a wide range of vitamins. However, vitamin D is not naturally present in most plant-based foods, especially herbal infusions. The main sources for this crucial nutrient are exposure to sunlight and certain animal products.

Why Chamomile Tea Lacks Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in fats and is stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. While some plants can be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce a small amount of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), a brewed herbal infusion like chamomile tea does not go through this process, and the dried flowers themselves do not contain the nutrient. The body's primary way of producing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is through direct exposure of the skin to sunlight.

The Proven Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Despite its lack of vitamin D, chamomile tea offers several well-documented health benefits, primarily from its rich flavonoid and antioxidant content.

Promotes Relaxation and Sleep: Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.
Supports Digestive Health: May help soothe stomach issues by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and easing discomfort from gas and bloating.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile can help soothe a sore throat and reduce irritation.
Heart Health Support: Flavonoid antioxidants found in the tea may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Boosts Immunity: Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can help fight off colds and flu symptoms.

Comparison: Chamomile Tea vs. Real Vitamin D Sources

This table highlights the stark difference in vitamin D content between chamomile tea and foods that are known sources of the nutrient.


Food/Beverage	Vitamin D Content	Source Type	Daily Value (DV) %
Brewed Chamomile Tea (1 cup)	0 mcg (0 IU)	Herbal Infusion	0%
Cod Liver Oil (1 tbsp)	34.0 mcg (1,360 IU)	Dietary Supplement/Animal	170%
Sockeye Salmon (3 oz, cooked)	14.2 mcg (570 IU)	Fatty Fish	71%
Vitamin D Fortified Milk (1 cup)	2.9 mcg (120 IU)	Fortified Dairy	15%
UV-Exposed Mushrooms (1/2 cup)	9.2 mcg (366 IU)	Plant (Special Preparation)	46%

Where to Find Your Vitamin D

Since chamomile tea is not the answer, it's crucial to know the real sources. The vast majority of vitamin D comes from sun exposure and diet.

Sunlight

When your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces vitamin D naturally.
The amount produced depends on various factors like latitude, season, time of day, skin pigmentation, and age.
Experts recommend limiting sun exposure due to the risk of skin cancer, and many people do not get enough vitamin D from the sun alone.

Food Sources

Fatty Fish: Excellent natural sources include salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
Cod Liver Oil: A potent dietary supplement derived from fish.
Fortified Foods: Many countries fortify common foods with vitamin D, including milk, some plant-based milks (soy, almond), cereals, and orange juice.
Mushrooms: Some mushrooms, particularly those exposed to UV light, can be a plant-based source of vitamin D2.
Other Sources: Small amounts are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.

The Role of Vitamin D Supplements

For those who struggle to meet their vitamin D needs through sun exposure and diet, dietary supplements are a reliable option. Supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Studies suggest that D3 might be more effective at raising and maintaining blood levels of vitamin D.

Conclusion

In summary, while chamomile tea is a delightful, caffeine-free beverage with a range of health benefits like promoting relaxation and aiding digestion, it is not a source of vitamin D. For this vital nutrient, your focus should be on sun exposure, fatty fish, and fortified foods like milk and cereal. Incorporating a variety of these sources into your diet will help ensure you meet your daily vitamin D requirements for strong bones and a healthy immune system. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action.

For more detailed, science-backed information on vitamin D, consult the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most herbal teas, including chamomile, are not a good source of vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin is primarily found in animal products and fortified foods, or produced by the body through sun exposure.

If you don't drink milk, you can get vitamin D from other sources such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), fortified plant-based milks (soy, almond), certain cereals, eggs, beef liver, and UV-exposed mushrooms.

Chamomile tea has calming properties that can help with anxiety, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest it can directly treat or prevent seasonal depression. Low vitamin D levels, often associated with seasonal changes, are linked to mood, but supplements are a more direct approach.

No, there is no evidence that drinking chamomile tea interferes with your body's ability to absorb vitamin D. The body absorbs vitamin D in the small intestine, and chamomile tea does not disrupt this process.

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from plant sources and fortified foods, while vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) comes from animal sources and sun exposure. Both forms are used in supplements, though D3 is often considered more effective at raising blood levels.

Vitamin D is crucial for good health. It helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones, supports muscle and nerve function, and is important for a healthy immune system.

The amount of sun exposure needed varies significantly based on skin tone, location, and season. However, due to skin cancer risk, it's not recommended to rely solely on sun exposure for your vitamin D needs, especially without sunscreen.

No, while many foods are fortified, some foods naturally contain vitamin D. These include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, cod liver oil, and mushrooms that have been specifically exposed to UV light.