Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 27 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 7 Reviews
7.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:   1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) (from Lanolin)
125 mcg (5,000 IU)
625%

Top Medical Research Studies

We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis—a progressive disease that often manifests alongside vitamin D deficiency. In a carefully designed study, we involved sixty patients who participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Each patient received either a weekly dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo over 12 weeks.

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.
Read More
9
Vitamin D improves fatty liver health
We explored the impact of vitamin D on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by examining both animal and cell models. Our study involved male C57BL/6J mice, which were put on a high-fat diet and then treated with vitamin D for 16 weeks. At the same time, we analyzed liver cells that were exposed to palmitic acid to mimic fatty liver conditions.

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.
Read More
9.5
Vitamin D receptor targeting reduces fibrosis
We designed and synthesized a series of 37 non-steroidal compounds aimed at activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to explore their potential in treating liver fibrosis. This condition involves an unhealthy buildup of fibrous tissue in the liver, often leading to serious complications.

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.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Essential for thyroid
4 people found this helpful
Having thyroid diseases, vitamin D is an essential daily supplement for me. It's crucial because Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is linked to vitamin D deficiency. It aids calcium absorption and contributes to the health of the thyroid, skin, hair, and nails. We take it daily and I highly recommend it!
Read More
9
Reduced stiffness
2 people found this helpful
I've been taking Now Foods vitamins Vitamin D-3 5000 IU for two years. After switching from alfacalcidol, recommended by my doctor for osteoporosis, the results were evident in just two weeks. The stiffness in my movements alleviated, and the pain diminished significantly. These vitamins have truly transformed my life!
Read More
9
Alleviated tooth pain
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health issues, especially concerning the immune system and teeth. I took a substantial dose of 5,000,000 units for a severe toothache. Remarkably, the pain lessened within two days. A lower dose would not have sufficed for my condition.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 27 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin D receptor targeting reduces fibrosis
We designed and synthesized a series of 37 non-steroidal compounds aimed at activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to explore their potential in treating liver fibrosis. This condition involves an unhealthy buildup of fibrous tissue in the liver, often leading to serious complications.

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.
Read More
We set out to understand how vitamin D might influence liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) related to obesity. For our research, we used a high-fat diet to create a mouse model that mimics the condition. We then supplemented these mice with vitamin D via injections over several weeks to see if it could alleviate the liver issues associated with their diet.

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.
Read More
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis—a progressive disease that often manifests alongside vitamin D deficiency. In a carefully designed study, we involved sixty patients who participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Each patient received either a weekly dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo over 12 weeks.

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.
Read More
9
Vitamin D protects bile duct cells
We explored the relationship between vitamin D and bile duct health, particularly focusing on biliary atresia (BA), a condition that leads to bile duct obstruction in children. Our research centered on vitamin D's receptor (VDR) and its role in protecting bile duct epithelial cells from damage caused by viruses, specifically double-stranded RNA viruses.

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.
Read More
9
Vitamin D improves fatty liver health
We explored the impact of vitamin D on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by examining both animal and cell models. Our study involved male C57BL/6J mice, which were put on a high-fat diet and then treated with vitamin D for 16 weeks. At the same time, we analyzed liver cells that were exposed to palmitic acid to mimic fatty liver conditions.

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.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 7 Reviews
7.7
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Essential for thyroid
4 people found this helpful
Having thyroid diseases, vitamin D is an essential daily supplement for me. It's crucial because Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is linked to vitamin D deficiency. It aids calcium absorption and contributes to the health of the thyroid, skin, hair, and nails. We take it daily and I highly recommend it!
Read More
9
Reduced stiffness
2 people found this helpful
I've been taking Now Foods vitamins Vitamin D-3 5000 IU for two years. After switching from alfacalcidol, recommended by my doctor for osteoporosis, the results were evident in just two weeks. The stiffness in my movements alleviated, and the pain diminished significantly. These vitamins have truly transformed my life!
Read More
9
Alleviated tooth pain
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health issues, especially concerning the immune system and teeth. I took a substantial dose of 5,000,000 units for a severe toothache. Remarkably, the pain lessened within two days. A lower dose would not have sufficed for my condition.
Read More
0
Liver discomfort
1 people found this helpful
This product did not work for me; it caused liver discomfort. If this review was helpful, please click Yes.
Read More
6
Increased vitamin levels
Continuing this supplement has increased my vitamin D levels. However, long-term use might strain the liver, so it’s wise to stay below 5000 IU.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Reduced stiffness
2 people found this helpful
I've been taking Now Foods vitamins Vitamin D-3 5000 IU for two years. After switching from alfacalcidol, recommended by my doctor for osteoporosis, the results were evident in just two weeks. The stiffness in my movements alleviated, and the pain diminished significantly. These vitamins have truly transformed my life!
9
Alleviated tooth pain
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health issues, especially concerning the immune system and teeth. I took a substantial dose of 5,000,000 units for a severe toothache. Remarkably, the pain lessened within two days. A lower dose would not have sufficed for my condition.
7.5
Improved skin condition
4 people found this helpful
I have skin problems, along with other health issues, and taking vitamin D at the correct dosage as advised by my doctor has been beneficial. I have idiopathic urticaria, and this supplement has improved my skin condition. I've resumed taking it as my levels dropped, which needs monitoring. This product has helped me significantly.
0
Liver discomfort
1 people found this helpful
This product did not work for me; it caused liver discomfort. If this review was helpful, please click Yes.
4
Liver values affected
2 people found this helpful
Be cautious when taking this before a medical check-up. I began using it for hay fever and noticed a jump in my liver-related values that I had never experienced before. Stopping the supplement normalised my health check-up results, showing it may affect liver disease metrics.
6
Increased vitamin levels
Continuing this supplement has increased my vitamin D levels. However, long-term use might strain the liver, so it’s wise to stay below 5000 IU.
9
Essential for thyroid
4 people found this helpful
Having thyroid diseases, vitamin D is an essential daily supplement for me. It's crucial because Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is linked to vitamin D deficiency. It aids calcium absorption and contributes to the health of the thyroid, skin, hair, and nails. We take it daily and I highly recommend it!
We set out to understand how vitamin D might influence liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) related to obesity. For our research, we used a high-fat diet to create a mouse model that mimics the condition. We then supplemented these mice with vitamin D via injections over several weeks to see if it could alleviate the liver issues associated with their diet.

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.
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis—a progressive disease that often manifests alongside vitamin D deficiency. In a carefully designed study, we involved sixty patients who participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Each patient received either a weekly dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo over 12 weeks.

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.
8
Vitamin D3 promotes liver health
We explored the effects of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3, on liver disease, particularly focusing on hepatic fibrosis. Through our research, we established mouse models with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl), which mimics the conditions seen in human liver diseases.

Over a six-week period, we administered calcitriol to these models and watched how it impacted liver health. Our assessments included measuring fibrosis levels using Sirius red staining and analyzing key markers associated with fibrosis, such as collagen-1 and α-SMA. What we found was promising: calcitriol seems to mitigate liver fibrosis, potentially offering new hope for those battling liver ailments.

We also looked into the science behind this effect, particularly the role of autophagy, a process that helps cells clear out toxins and repair themselves. Our findings suggest that calcitriol's benefits stem partly from its promotion of autophagy through a gene called ATG16L1. This gene seems to have protective properties against the progression of fibrosis, enhancing liver health.

Overall, our work highlights the therapeutic potential of vitamin D3 in combating liver fibrosis, showing that it can be a beneficial ally in liver disease management through its influence on autophagy.
We explored the effects of vitamin D on liver disease, specifically focusing on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition is becoming increasingly common as part of metabolic syndrome, and understanding how vitamin D can help is crucial.

In this study, we used mice fed a high-fat diet to model NAFLD, and then we administered them with 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D. We also observed how this vitamin affected macrophages and liver cells, particularly in their ability to handle fat.

Our findings showed that vitamin D supplementation not only improved fat buildup in the liver but also played a significant role in adjusting the inflammatory response of macrophages. It appears that vitamin D helps switch macrophages from a pro-inflammatory state to a more beneficial one, which reduces fat accumulation and aids liver metabolism.

Overall, we demonstrated that vitamin D’s ability to alter macrophage behavior may provide a valuable strategy for treating NAFLD.

References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
image