Nutrition Diet: Is vitamin D required on the Nutrition Facts panel?

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, many Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diet, classifying it as a “nutrient of public health significance”. In response to this, the agency made vitamin D a required nutrient on the updated Nutrition Facts panel. So, is vitamin D required on the Nutrition Facts panel? Yes, it is, and this change provides valuable information for consumers.

Quick Summary

The FDA updated its regulations, making vitamin D a required nutrient on the Nutrition Facts panel due to insufficient intake among many Americans. Along with vitamin D, manufacturers must also list calcium, iron, and potassium, while vitamins A and C became voluntary. The new label also changes the reporting unit for vitamin D from IUs to micrograms.

Key Points

Mandatory Listing: Vitamin D is now a required nutrient on the updated Nutrition Facts panel, a change enforced by the FDA starting in 2020.
Nutrient of Concern: The FDA classified vitamin D as a "nutrient of public health significance" because many Americans do not get enough in their diet.
Unit Change: The label now reports vitamin D content in micrograms (mcg), although International Units (IU) may be listed voluntarily in parentheses.
Health Importance: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, strong bones, muscle function, and immune system health.
Dietary Sources: Good sources include fatty fish, fortified dairy and plant-based milks, and UV-exposed mushrooms.
Easy Assessment: The % Daily Value (%DV) on the label helps determine if a food is a high (20% or more) or low (5% or less) source of vitamin D.

The Shift to Mandatory Vitamin D Labeling

For many years, the declaration of vitamin D on the Nutrition Facts label was voluntary, meaning manufacturers could choose whether or not to include it. This changed with the comprehensive updates to the label finalized by the FDA in 2016, with a compliance deadline that went into full effect for most manufacturers in 2020. The primary driver for this change was the recognition that vitamin D, along with calcium, iron, and potassium, is a "nutrient of public health significance" because many people do not consume adequate amounts. Deficiencies in these nutrients are associated with various health concerns, prompting the FDA to make their declaration mandatory to increase consumer awareness.

Understanding the Updated Label

Under the new regulations, manufacturers must declare both the actual amount of vitamin D per serving, measured in micrograms (mcg), and its corresponding percentage of the Daily Value (%DV). While the older labels used International Units (IU), the new label uses mcg, although manufacturers can still voluntarily list the IU amount in parentheses. The Daily Value for vitamin D was also updated based on the latest scientific evidence. The inclusion of this information makes it easier for consumers to quickly assess how a food product contributes to their daily vitamin D intake.

Why Vitamin D is Crucial for a Healthy Diet

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for many bodily functions. Most famously, it plays a critical role in bone health by helping the body absorb calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. A deficiency can lead to weak and brittle bones, a condition known as osteoporosis. Beyond bone health, vitamin D also supports muscle movement, nervous system function, and a healthy immune system, which helps fight off bacteria and viruses. Though the body can produce vitamin D from sun exposure, relying solely on sunlight can be unreliable due to factors like season, location, and sunscreen use, making dietary sources or supplements important.

Navigating Food Sources and Fortification

Many foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, while others are fortified to help consumers meet their daily needs. The new label helps consumers easily identify these sources. Here are some examples of foods that are good sources of vitamin D:

Fatty Fish: Including salmon, herring, trout, and tuna.
Cod Liver Oil: A very concentrated source of vitamin D.
Fortified Milk: Cow's milk, as well as plant-based milks like soy and almond milk, are often fortified.
Mushrooms: Some varieties, especially those exposed to UV light, are an excellent non-animal source.
Eggs: The yolk contains a small amount of vitamin D.
Fortified Cereals and Juices: Many brands of breakfast cereals and orange juice add vitamin D during processing.

How to Use the Vitamin D Information on the Label

The %DV on the label helps interpret the numerical value in the context of a total daily diet. The general guideline for reading the %DV is simple:

A food with 5% DV or less per serving is considered a low source of that nutrient.
A food with 20% DV or more per serving is considered a high source of that nutrient.

By comparing the %DV of vitamin D on different products, consumers can make more informed choices to ensure they are getting enough of this essential nutrient throughout the day.

Comparing Old vs. New Nutrition Facts Panel


Feature	Old Label (pre-2020)	New Label (post-2020)
Vitamin D Mandate	Voluntary. Often not included unless fortified or a claim was made.	Mandatory. Must be listed for all food products.
Units of Measure	Reported in International Units (IU).	Reported primarily in micrograms (mcg), with optional IU in parentheses.
Nutrient of Public Health Concern	Vitamin C and Vitamin A were required because deficiencies were once common.	Vitamin D and Potassium replaced Vitamin C and A, highlighting current deficiencies.
Mandatory Vitamins/Minerals	Included calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.	Includes vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Daily Value Footnote	Less informative; did not explicitly explain %DV.	Clearly explains %DV: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet…”.

Conclusion

With the FDA’s revisions to the Nutrition Facts label, vitamin D is now a mandatory nutrient, reflecting its importance for public health. The change from a voluntary listing to a mandatory one, along with the updated units and Daily Values, provides consumers with the information necessary to make better dietary choices. By understanding these new labels, you can be more intentional about incorporating sources of vitamin D into your daily nutrition plan for better bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. If you have concerns about your vitamin D intake, consulting a healthcare or nutrition professional is a recommended step to ensure you are meeting your specific needs.

For more information on the updated food labels, visit the official FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA made vitamin D a required nutrient because it was identified as a 'nutrient of public health significance,' meaning many Americans do not consume enough of it, which can impact health. The mandatory listing aims to increase consumer awareness and intake.

Vitamin D's most well-known function is assisting in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones. It also plays a role in muscle function, nerve communication, and immune system support.

The new Nutrition Facts panel primarily lists vitamin D in micrograms (mcg). Manufacturers can also voluntarily list the amount in International Units (IU) in parentheses next to the mcg value.

Yes, as part of the label update, potassium was also made a mandatory nutrient. Conversely, vitamins A and C are no longer required to be listed, as deficiencies in these vitamins are now rare in the US.

To determine if a food is a good source of vitamin D, look at the % Daily Value (%DV) on the label. A product with a %DV of 20% or more is considered a high source, while 5% or less is considered low.

Good sources include fatty fish (like salmon), cod liver oil, and fortified products such as milk, certain cereals, and orange juice. Some mushrooms that have been exposed to UV light also contain vitamin D.

A deficiency in vitamin D can hinder the body's ability to absorb calcium, potentially leading to weakened or brittle bones and increasing the risk of osteoporosis. It can also affect muscle and immune system health.