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Throughout the study, we assessed key health markers before and after supplementation, including liver function tests, lipid profiles, and glycaemic indices such as fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance. By the end of the trial, our findings indicated that vitamin D supplementation significantly improved fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in the participants.
Specifically, we observed noteworthy increases in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and reductions in fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance indicators. These results suggest that vitamin D might be an important player in improving metabolic health for those suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Our findings revealed that vitamin D not only helped reduce body weight and improve liver health, but it also played a role in restoring normal metabolic functions. By reducing inflammation and protecting liver cells from damage, vitamin D enhanced insulin sensitivity and affected fat metabolism positively.
Notably, we found that vitamin D helped inhibit a harmful process known as ferroptosis—a type of cell death linked to liver injury. Through various assays, we confirmed that vitamin D treatment boosted the liver's antioxidant capabilities and lessened iron buildup in liver cells. Overall, our research suggests that vitamin D could be a promising therapeutic option for individuals suffering from MAFLD.
Our research found that more than a third of these novel compounds displayed strong affinity for VDR and showed the ability to activate it. Among these, one compound, E15, stood out as particularly effective. It significantly inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which play a critical role in the progression of liver fibrosis, thereby reducing the production of harmful extracellular matrix components.
Encouraged by these promising in vitro results, we proceeded to test E15 in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. The results were remarkable; E15 not only decreased fibrosis and collagen deposition, but also improved liver function without the negative side effect of hypercalcemia, which is often associated with traditional VDR agonists.
These findings suggest that E15 could be a powerful and safer alternative for addressing liver fibrosis, highlighting the significant therapeutic potential of targeting the vitamin D receptor in liver diseases.
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Our research found that more than a third of these novel compounds displayed strong affinity for VDR and showed the ability to activate it. Among these, one compound, E15, stood out as particularly effective. It significantly inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which play a critical role in the progression of liver fibrosis, thereby reducing the production of harmful extracellular matrix components.
Encouraged by these promising in vitro results, we proceeded to test E15 in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. The results were remarkable; E15 not only decreased fibrosis and collagen deposition, but also improved liver function without the negative side effect of hypercalcemia, which is often associated with traditional VDR agonists.
These findings suggest that E15 could be a powerful and safer alternative for addressing liver fibrosis, highlighting the significant therapeutic potential of targeting the vitamin D receptor in liver diseases.
Our findings revealed that a high-fat diet led to vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, and a notable increase in liver weight. This also resulted in elevated liver enzymes and triglyceride levels, contributing to steatohepatitis, a concerning liver condition. When we introduced vitamin D supplementation, we observed a significant recovery in liver weight and overall improvement in liver health. The treatment also lowered harmful enzymes and triglycerides while helping control markers related to inflammation and fibrosis.
This study highlights that vitamin D supplementation can positively impact liver health in cases linked to obesity, offering an accessible and potentially effective strategy for addressing NAFLD. Notably, we found no adverse effects from the vitamin D treatment, suggesting it could be a safe option for individuals at risk.
Throughout the study, we assessed key health markers before and after supplementation, including liver function tests, lipid profiles, and glycaemic indices such as fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance. By the end of the trial, our findings indicated that vitamin D supplementation significantly improved fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in the participants.
Specifically, we observed noteworthy increases in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and reductions in fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance indicators. These results suggest that vitamin D might be an important player in improving metabolic health for those suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Through a combination of laboratory and animal studies, we assessed the expression of VDR in bile duct cells from pediatric patients, noting its connection to cholangitis rates after treatment. We discovered that activating VDR with vitamin D3 significantly reduced cell damage and apoptosis, which is the process of programmed cell death that can worsen BA.
We found that vitamin D3 helped mitigate viral-induced inflammation and cell death through specific cellular pathways, including one called the PLA2/PKC/ERK pathway. This suggests that vitamin D could be a valuable therapeutic option in managing liver diseases like BA, potentially offering new avenues for treatment and patient care.
Our findings revealed that vitamin D not only helped reduce body weight and improve liver health, but it also played a role in restoring normal metabolic functions. By reducing inflammation and protecting liver cells from damage, vitamin D enhanced insulin sensitivity and affected fat metabolism positively.
Notably, we found that vitamin D helped inhibit a harmful process known as ferroptosis—a type of cell death linked to liver injury. Through various assays, we confirmed that vitamin D treatment boosted the liver's antioxidant capabilities and lessened iron buildup in liver cells. Overall, our research suggests that vitamin D could be a promising therapeutic option for individuals suffering from MAFLD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Liver disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the liver's ability to function effectively. The liver is a vital organ responsible for many important tasks, including metabolizing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing bile for digestion. Common forms of liver disease include hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Each of these conditions can significantly impact liver function and overall health, leading to symptoms that range from fatigue and jaundice to more serious complications requiring urgent medical attention.
The causes of liver disease are diverse and can include chronic alcohol abuse, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes. Early detection is key to managing liver disease effectively, often involving lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions. Regular check-ups and liver function tests are recommended for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of liver disease or those who lead certain lifestyle habits. Adopting a balanced diet and reducing alcohol intake can greatly aid in liver health and help prevent the onset of these conditions.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that's essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting immune system function, and facilitating normal cell growth and development. It plays a crucial role in calcium absorption in the gut, which is vital for bone health. Unlike most vitamins, our bodies can produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, specifically UVB rays, which is why it’s often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." However, depending on your geographical location, lifestyle, and skin type, getting sufficient Vitamin D from the sun alone can be challenging, particularly during the winter months.
In addition to sunlight, Vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods such as fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), fish liver oils, and fortified foods like milk and cereals. Some individuals may also consider supplements, especially if they're at risk for deficiency. Insufficient vitamin D levels are linked to various health issues, including rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and even an increased risk of chronic diseases. Regularly checking your vitamin D levels and consulting with a healthcare professional can help ensure you're meeting your needs for optimal health.
Recent studies have suggested that Vitamin D may play a beneficial role in liver health, especially in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis. Vitamin D is known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which could help mitigate some of the effects of liver disease. Observational studies have shown that individuals with liver disease often have lower levels of Vitamin D, and some research indicates that supplementation might improve liver function tests and overall health in these patients.
However, it's important to note that while there is promising research, Vitamin D should not be seen as a standalone treatment for liver diseases. Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to assess individual needs and to determine an appropriate treatment plan. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand the implications of Vitamin D on liver health, including optimal dosing and timing for supplementation.
Based on user reviews, the timeframe to see results from using Vitamin D for liver disease can vary, but many users report significant benefits over a period of months to years. One reviewer mentioned adhering to a high-dose Vitamin D protocol for three years, during which they experienced a remarkable turnaround—they were able to come off cortisone and strong medications entirely ((Read Review)). Another user has found continuous use of Vitamin D to be beneficial in managing their liver condition, suggesting that ongoing use is crucial for improvement ((Read Review)).
Additionally, one user expressed that they genuinely feel the benefits of high-dose Vitamin D and noticed fewer flare-ups after starting treatment, implying a positive correlation between consistent use and symptom relief ((Read Review)). Overall, it appears that while some users may feel improvements sooner, a sustained regimen over several months is often pivotal for achieving optimal results.
Recent scientific research supports the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for liver disease, particularly in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cirrhosis. Studies have shown that vitamin D not only helps alleviate liver issues linked to obesity but also plays a role in improving insulin resistance—a critical factor in managing liver health. In one study, vitamin D supplementation significantly improved liver weight and enzyme levels in mice with a high-fat diet, indicating a positive impact on liver health related to NAFLD [1]. Moreover, in cirrhosis patients, vitamin D3 showed promising effects in enhancing fasting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, suggesting it could be an effective strategy for individuals with liver cirrhosis [17].
Additionally, associations have been made between low vitamin D levels and the severity of liver conditions, supporting the idea that maintaining adequate levels may help protect against liver damage [10]. Given these findings, while more research is needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines, the overall evidence points towards vitamin D as a valuable addition to managing liver disease, especially in populations at risk. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional when considering supplementation.
Users report a range of improvements in their symptoms after incorporating high-dose Vitamin D into their treatment for liver disease. One reviewer highlighted a significant turnaround over three years, mentioning they were able to stop using cortisone and other strong medications entirely thanks to their Vitamin D regimen ((Read Review)). This suggests that a sustained approach may yield substantial benefits in managing liver conditions.
Other users echoed similar sentiments, with one stating that continuous use of Vitamin D has played a crucial role in managing their liver disease, with a commitment to ongoing treatment ((Read Review)). Additionally, another reviewer expressed feeling the positive effects of high-dose Vitamin D, noting a decrease in flare-ups, implying that consistent use is linked to symptom relief ((Read Review)). These anecdotal insights suggest that many users find Vitamin D beneficial, although individual results may vary based on personal health circumstances.
Based on recent studies, a promising approach to treating liver disease with Vitamin D centers around a specific dosage of 50,000 IU per week. In a well-structured clinical trial involving 60 patients with liver cirrhosis, this regimen was observed to increase serum Vitamin D levels significantly while also improving metabolic markers such as fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance, suggesting a positive impact on liver function overall [17]. Additionally, Vitamin D supplementation has shown potential benefits in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through improvements in liver health and reduced liver fat accumulation when administered in animal models, highlighting its therapeutic promise [21].
While the optimal dose appears to be around 50,000 IU weekly for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, it's essential to consider individual variations and the specific type of liver disease when determining the most effective treatment plan. More research is necessary to understand the full extent of Vitamin D's efficacy across various liver conditions fully. Maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels could be pivotal in managing liver health, particularly for those with liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction or fatty liver disease.
Our findings revealed that a high-fat diet led to vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, and a notable increase in liver weight. This also resulted in elevated liver enzymes and triglyceride levels, contributing to steatohepatitis, a concerning liver condition. When we introduced vitamin D supplementation, we observed a significant recovery in liver weight and overall improvement in liver health. The treatment also lowered harmful enzymes and triglycerides while helping control markers related to inflammation and fibrosis.
This study highlights that vitamin D supplementation can positively impact liver health in cases linked to obesity, offering an accessible and potentially effective strategy for addressing NAFLD. Notably, we found no adverse effects from the vitamin D treatment, suggesting it could be a safe option for individuals at risk.
After the 12-week period, we observed significant changes among those taking vitamin D. The serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 increased substantially, alongside notable improvements in fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance, measured by HOMA-IR. These results suggest that vitamin D3 could play a beneficial role in managing certain metabolic aspects of liver disease in cirrhosis patients.
Overall, our study highlights the potential of vitamin D3 supplementation as a simple yet effective strategy to improve specific health parameters in people living with cirrhosis, paving the way for further exploration in this important area of research.
Our findings revealed a notable negative correlation between vitamin D levels and Child-Pugh scores. Essentially, as liver cirrhosis worsens, vitamin D levels tend to drop.
However, while our study highlights vitamin D deficiency as an important marker for disease severity, it did not assess the direct effects of vitamin D treatment on liver disease outcomes. This means that while low vitamin D might indicate more severe liver issues, we can't conclude that supplementing vitamin D will effectively improve liver health.
Despite the absence of treatment outcomes, our research underscores the potential role of vitamin D as a prognostic tool in managing liver cirrhosis, linking its levels to overall patient health.
The findings were promising. The treatment improved liver fat levels and enhanced lipid metabolism. It achieved this, in part, by reversing the polarization of inflammatory immune cells in the liver. Specifically, the vitamin D3 appeared to lower the presence of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which are linked to greater liver fat accumulation. The research suggested that vitamin D3 works through specific pathways in the body, hinting at its potential as a helpful supplement for individuals struggling with liver fat issues.
Overall, this study highlights the therapeutic promise of 1,25(OH)D for improving liver health in the context of obesity-related conditions. While there’s more to uncover, the results offer hope for better management strategies for NAFLD in the future.
References
- Chung SI, Liang L, Han H, Park KH, Lee JH, et al. Vitamin D Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Murine Model. Yonsei Med J. 2025;66:75. doi:10.3349/ymj.2024.0038
- Derogar Kasmaei SR, Parastouei K, Hosseini Ahangar B, Saberifiroozi M, Taghdir M. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic indices, lipid profile and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2024;7:e000938. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2024-000938
- Liu N, Zhao P, Cao P, Hui J, Pan Y, et al. Vitamin D3/VDR alleviates double-stranded RNA virus -induced biliary epithelial cell damage by inhibiting autophagy. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25:44. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-03640-5
- Zou C, Liu X, He M, Sun Y, Sang Y, et al. Insulin Resistance Mediates the Association Between Vitamin D and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Prev Med. 2024;15:77. doi:10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_221_23
- Diaz-Ruiz R, Poca M, Roman E, Panadero-Gomez R, Cuyàs B, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with Inflammation Amelioration and Cognitive Improvement in Decompensated Patients with Cirrhosis. Nutrients. 2025;17. doi:10.3390/nu17020226
- Wang Y, Jin J, Chen S, Shen Y. Modulation of magnesium intake on the association between vitamin D deficiency and severe hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese individuals. Magnes Res. 2024;37:58. doi:10.1684/mrh.2024.0536
- Jiang R, Lu M, Hua Y, Hong Z. Association between serum vitamin D and depression among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2025;34:112. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202502_34(1).0011
- Gao F, Guan C, Cheng N, Liu Y, Wu Y, et al. Design, synthesis, and anti-liver fibrosis activity of novel non-steroidal vitamin D receptor agonists based on open-ring steroid scaffold. Eur J Med Chem. 2025;286:117250. doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117250
- Biswas SA, Rukunuzzaman M, Biswas RK, Rahman SMH, Alam MS. Serum Vitamin D Status in Infants with Cholestatic Jaundice. Mymensingh Med J. 2025;34:192.
- Munoli AS, Mantur PG, Jalawadi VM. Child-Pugh Score and Vitamin D: Exploring a New Frontier in Liver Cirrhosis Assessment. Cureus. 2024;16:e74738. doi:10.7759/cureus.74738
- Liang Y, Jiang X, Zhao X, Tang T, Fan X, et al. Vitamin D alleviates HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting DNMT1 to affect the TGFβ1/Smad3 pathway. iScience. 2024;27:111262. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2024.111262
- Miao Y, Jiang Z, Song H, Zhang Y, Chen H, et al. Vitamin D supplementation alleviates high fat diet-induced metabolic associated fatty liver disease by inhibiting ferroptosis pathway. Eur J Nutr. 2024;64:50. doi:10.1007/s00394-024-03554-0
- Huang N, Su X, Yu T, Wu X, Lu B, et al. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level is associated with elastography-detected liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;15:1420088. doi:10.3389/fendo.2024.1420088
- Johnson CD, Stevens CM, Bennett MR, Litch AB, Rodrigue EM, et al. The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Outcomes, and Therapeutic Potential. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16234007
- Morsy MA, Abdel-Latif R, Ibrahim MF, Marey H, Abdel-Gaber SA. Calcitriol ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity via regulation of Nrf2-Mrp2/p38 MAPK signaling in mice. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2024;38:3946320241306276. doi:10.1177/03946320241306276
- Luo WJ, Dong XW, Ye H, Zhao QS, Zhang QB, et al. Vitamin D 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2024;16:4685. doi:10.4251/wjgo.v16.i12.4685
- Derogar Kasmaei SR, Parastouei K, Hosseini Ahangar B, Saberifiroozi M, Taghdir M. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic indices, lipid profile and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2024;7:e000938. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2024-000938
- Liu N, Zhao P, Cao P, Hui J, Pan Y, et al. Vitamin D3/VDR alleviates double-stranded RNA virus -induced biliary epithelial cell damage by inhibiting autophagy. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25:44. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-03640-5
- Miao Y, Jiang Z, Song H, Zhang Y, Chen H, et al. Vitamin D supplementation alleviates high fat diet-induced metabolic associated fatty liver disease by inhibiting ferroptosis pathway. Eur J Nutr. 2024;64:50. doi:10.1007/s00394-024-03554-0
- Morsy MA, Abdel-Latif R, Ibrahim MF, Marey H, Abdel-Gaber SA. Calcitriol ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity via regulation of Nrf2-Mrp2/p38 MAPK signaling in mice. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2024;38:3946320241306276. doi:10.1177/03946320241306276
- Luo WJ, Dong XW, Ye H, Zhao QS, Zhang QB, et al. Vitamin D 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2024;16:4685. doi:10.4251/wjgo.v16.i12.4685
- Kilani Y, Alsakarneh S, Madi MY, Mosquera DAG, Ferreira MN, et al. Autoimmune Hepatitis and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Nationwide Perspective. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2025;61:682. doi:10.1111/apt.18438
- Dai J, Song J, Chen X, Ding F, Ding Y, et al. 1,25(OH)D-treated mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells alleviate autoimmune hepatitis in mice by improving TFR/TFH imbalance. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2025;47:59. doi:10.1080/08923973.2024.2435314
- Yaribeygi H, Ramezani M, Katsiki N, Mirmohammadkhani M, Tabaei NS. Efficacy of Adding Sitagliptin to Ongoing Metformin on Metabolic Profile, Triglyceride-Glucose Index, Vitamin D3, and Liver Tests in Patients Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2024;101:100764. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2024.100764
- Farrash WF, Idris S, Elzubier ME, Khidir EBA, Aslam A, et al. Enhanced hepatoprotective effects of empagliflozin and vitamin D dual therapy against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice by boosted modulation of metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways. Int J Exp Pathol. 2024;105:219. doi:10.1111/iep.12519
- Dharshan SS, Ramamurthy K, Kaliraj S, Manikandan K, Chitra V, et al. Combined effects of vitamin D3 and dioxopiperidinamide derivative on lipid homeostasis, inflammatory pathways, and redox imbalance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in vivo zebrafish model. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024. doi:10.1002/bab.2666
- Fogacci F, Giovannini M, Di Micoli V, Grandi E, Borghi C, et al. Effect of Supplementation of a Butyrate-Based Formula in Individuals with Liver Steatosis and Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16152454
- Abdel-Hamid GR, Mostafa DM, Fathy RM, Lotfy DM, Osman S. Cytokine storm modulation using cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation in Escherichia coli infected mice. Cell Biochem Funct. 2024;42:e4026. doi:10.1002/cbf.4026
- Yang A, Chen Y, Gao Y, Lv Q, Li Y, et al. Vitamin D exacerbates steatosis while calcipotriol inhibits inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in knockout mice: a comparative study of two forms of vitamin D. Food Funct. 2024;15:4614. doi:10.1039/d4fo00215f
- Lu Y, Chen H, Chen Y, Zhao L, Hou S. Accumulated LPS induced by colitis altered the activities of vitamin D-metabolizing hydroxylases and decreased the generation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Chem Biol Interact. 2024;395:110997. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110997
- Lee SB, Jin MH, Yoon JH. The contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to the onset of steatotic liver disease among individuals with metabolic dysfunction. Sci Rep. 2024;14:6714. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-57380-9
- Guo E, Yuan H, Li R, Yang J, Liu S, et al. Calcitriol ameliorates the progression of hepatic fibrosis through autophagy-related gene 16-like 1-mediated autophagy. Am J Med Sci. 2024;367:382. doi:10.1016/j.amjms.2024.02.010
