Effects of vitamin D status and supplementation on MASLD severity in individuals with overweight or obesity: a cross-sectional study and randomized controlled trial.
Lulu Yu, Xincheng Wang, Xiaotian Yang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This study examined vitamin D status and MASLD severity in adults with overweight or obesity, combining a cross-sectional analysis with a 24-week randomized controlled trial. Among 505 participants in the cross-sectional analysis, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM). In the trial, 132 participants received lifestyle modification with or without vitamin D3 (14,000 IU/week). Supplementation produced a greater CAP reduction than lifestyle modification alone (adjusted difference = -41.2 dB/m; 95% CI, -56.8 to -25.6), but did not significantly change LSM relative to control.
Key findings
- In 505 adults, serum 25(OH)D was independently and inversely associated with CAP and LSM (both P < 0.001).
- In the randomized trial, vitamin D3 plus lifestyle modification reduced CAP more than lifestyle modification alone (adjusted difference = -41.2 dB/m; 95% CI, -56.8 to -25.6; P < 0.01).
- The between-group difference in LSM change was not significant (adjusted difference = -0.9 kPa; 95% CI, -2.3 to 0.4; P = 0.17).
Why it matters
The findings distinguish an association between vitamin D status and non-invasive MASLD measures from evidence of a supplementation effect. The trial suggests a possible additional benefit for liver steatosis measured by CAP when vitamin D3 is added to lifestyle modification, while showing no significant improvement in LSM. These outcomes help frame the potential role of supplementation without establishing broader liver benefit.
What to keep in mind
The randomized trial lasted 24 weeks and assessed non-invasive parameters; the abstract does not report effects on clinical liver outcomes.