Six-month vitamin D replacement reduces hepatic steatosis in the absence of weight loss

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in Western countries, ranging from 25 to 45%. Recently decreased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with NAFLD have been confirmed in a meta-analysis of observation studies. This intervention study investigates whether a reduction in hepatic steatosis occurs with vitamin D replacement in patients referred to an outpatient liver clinic. Methods: In total, 40 patients with NAFLD and vitamin D deficiency were prospectively recruited. Vitamin D deficiency was defined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations < 20 ng/ml and was me…