BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
A new study by researchers at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences has revealed an important biological connection between severe fatty liver disease and low vitamin D levels, offering fresh insight into how unhealthy diets may worsen liver damage over time. The research, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research, found that diets rich in fat and sugar can affect the liver’s ability to activate vitamin D in the body. Scientists say this could be one of the hidden reasons why many patients suffering from advanced fatty liver disease also experience vitamin D deficiency.
The study was led by Dr. Rohit Anthony Sinha from the Department of Endocrinology at SGPGIMS. Along with PhD researcher Abhishek Yadav and their team, the researchers examined both animal models and human liver samples to understand how the disease impacts vitamin D metabolism. According to the findings, the severe form of fatty liver disease, known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH/NASH), not only leads to excessive fat buildup in the liver but also suppresses an important liver enzyme called CYP2R1. This enzyme is responsible for converting vitamin D into its active and useful form inside the body.
Researchers explained that this discovery helps clarify why many patients with severe fatty liver disease continue to suffer from vitamin D deficiency even when they receive enough sunlight or consume adequate nutrition. The study also warned that MASH/NASH can progress into more dangerous conditions such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis if left untreated. Scientists believe that disruption in vitamin D activation may itself contribute to faster disease progression and declining liver health.
Speaking about the findings, Dr. Sinha said the research provides a scientific explanation for the vitamin D deficiency commonly seen in patients with severe fatty liver disease. He added that understanding this mechanism could help researchers develop new treatment strategies in the future. Doctors involved in the study advised patients with fatty liver disease to regularly monitor their vitamin D levels and maintain healthy dietary and lifestyle habits under medical guidance. Researchers believe the study could pave the way for improved prevention and treatment approaches for liver disease in the coming years.
