Steatosis regression assessed by cap after Vitamin ‘D’ supplementation in NAFLD patients with Vitamin ‘D’ deficiency

Abstract

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and previous studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD. It is suggested that vitamin D supplementation may have significant beneficial effect on liver biochemistry and histology. Objective This study aims to assess the degree of possible steatosis regression using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in NAFLD patients with vitamin D deficiency after vitamin D supplementation and evaluating its effect on lipid profile and transaminases. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 100 NAFLD patients with vitamin D deficiency. They received 10000 IU/week of vitamin D orally for 3 months. CAP was used to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis before/after intervention. Transaminases, lipid profile, and vitamin D levels were evaluated before/after treatment. Results Serum AST, ALT, cholesterol, TG, LDL and HDL showed a significant reduction posttreatment in patients with both normal and elevated baseline levels (P < 0.001). The posttreatment mean CAP showed a significant reduction (300.44 ± 37.56 vs. 265 ± 36.19 dB/ml) (P < 0.001), and there was a significant improvement in the mean fibrosis values by LSM (5.32 ± 1.53 vs. 4.86 ± 1.28 KPa) (P = 0.001). After supplementation, serum vitamin D level was raised significantly in the majority of patients (P < 0.001); however, only 13% of them reached sufficient levels (>30 ng/ml), insufficient levels (20–29 ng/ml) was reached in 83% and 5% showed vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). Conclusion A significant improvement was detected in hepatic steatosis (by CAP); mean values of LSM, transaminases and lipid profile after three months of oral vitamin D supplementation.