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Updated: May 14, 2026
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The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
Vitamin D in chronic liver disease
Caroline S Stokes1, Dietrich A Volmer, Frank Grünhage
1Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany. caroline.stokes@uks.eu
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is common in chronic liver disease (CLD) and linked to its severity. Supplementation may improve outcomes, particularly for those with hepatitis C virus infection, suggesting vitamin D as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with vitamin D deficiency and extrahepatic issues like hepatic osteodystrophy.
- The liver is crucial for vitamin D metabolism, and deficiency prevalence increases with CLD severity.
- Carrier protein levels and genetic variations in vitamin D metabolism are also relevant in CLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiological and functional links between vitamin D deficiency and CLD.
- To discuss the implications of vitamin D deficiency for therapeutic interventions in CLD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on vitamin D metabolism, deficiency prevalence in CLD, and analytical measurement challenges.
- Analysis of functional mechanisms and genetic associations between vitamin D and CLD.
- Examination of intervention studies and health outcomes related to vitamin D supplementation in CLD.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in CLD patients, inversely correlating with disease severity.
- Supplementation studies indicate potential improvements in CLD and health outcomes, notably in hepatitis C virus infection.
- Analytical interferences and global discrepancies in defining optimal vitamin D levels complicate assessment.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a significant factor in CLD, impacting disease progression and extrahepatic manifestations.
- Therapeutic targeting of vitamin D may offer a viable strategy for managing CLD and improving patient outcomes.
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