Vitamin D

 

On a carnivore diet, the best natural sources of vitamin D are animal-based and ideally come from pasture-raised or wild-caught animals, as these tend to have higher vitamin D content due to sun exposure and a natural diet.

🔥 Best Carnivore Sources of Vitamin D:

1. Cod Liver (or Cod Liver Oil)

Highest natural food source of vitamin D.

Also contains vitamin A and omega-3s.

Note: Don't overdo it; excess vitamin A can become toxic over time if not balanced with D3 and K2.

2. Fatty Fish (wild-caught)

Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and tuna.

Wild-caught has up to 5x more vitamin D than farmed fish.

3. Egg Yolks (pasture-raised)

Vitamin D is found in the yolk, not the white.

Hens that get sun exposure produce yolks with more vitamin D.

4. Beef Liver

Contains some vitamin D, but not as high as fish.

Better for other fat-soluble vitamins (A, K2) and iron.

5. Pork Fat (Lard)

Particularly from pasture-raised pigs who’ve been exposed to sunlight.

Has modest levels of vitamin D3 in the fat.

🌞 Bonus: Sunlight Exposure

The most effective source of vitamin D is still UVB exposure to skin.

Just 10–30 minutes a day, depending on skin tone, latitude, and time of day.

Works synergistically with the high-fat content of carnivore diets to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

⚠️ If Supplementing

If you're in a sun-deprived location or can’t get natural D from food:

Look for Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) derived from lanolin (sheep's wool) or cod liver oil.

Avoid D2 (ergocalciferol), which is plant-based and less bioavailable.

Pair with vitamin K2 (from egg yolks, liver, or grass-fed dairy) for proper calcium transport and bone health.