Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, May 8: Fatty liver disease, increasingly linked to unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits, may also silently interfere with the body’s ability to process vitamin D, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS).

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, immunity and several metabolic functions. However, before the body can effectively use the vitamin, it must first be processed by the liver and kidneys.

The study focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is regarded as one of the most severe forms of fatty liver disease.

Researchers warned that the condition is emerging as a major public health concern in India and across the world as it can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer.

Published in the scientific journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, the study found that liver damage caused by diets rich in fat and sugar may suppress a key liver enzyme known as CYP2R1, which is essential for converting vitamin D into a usable form.

The research involved analysis of human liver samples along with experiments on animal models.

“We found evidence that liver injury caused by diets rich in fat and sugar may weaken a key process that helps the body use vitamin D effectively,” said PhD scholar Abhishek Yadav, one of the co-authors of the study.

Dr Rohit Anthony Sinha, Additional Professor in the Department of Endocrinology at SGPGIMS and lead researcher of the study, said the findings provide a scientific explanation for the vitamin D deficiency frequently observed in patients with advanced fatty liver disease.

“This could explain why vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with severe fatty liver disease even when sunlight exposure or nutritional intake appear adequate,” he said.

Researchers believe the findings may help develop future treatment strategies focusing on vitamin D metabolism as part of comprehensive fatty liver disease management.

The study also highlighted the importance of early lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, reduced intake of processed foods and regular exercise.

Experts additionally recommended routine monitoring of vitamin D levels in patients diagnosed with fatty liver disease, particularly those with advanced liver injury.