Vitamin D in liver disease: Current evidence and potential directions

Abstract

Consistent with its multifaceted nature, growing evidence links vitamin D with hepatic disease. In this review, we summarise the roles of vitamin D in different liver pathologies and explore the clinical utility of vitamin D-based treatments in hepatology. We find that the small number of clinical trials coupled with the profound heterogeneity of study protocols limits the strength of evidence needed to ascribe definite clinical value to the hormone in liver disease. Nevertheless, the experimental data is promising and further bench and bedside studies will likely define a clearer role in hepatic therapeutics.