Did you know that more than 94% of the US population does not meet the minimum requirement for daily Vitamin D consumption? Consequently, when it comes to supplementation for NAFLD, Vitamin D is the new sheriff in town. Recent studies have been measuring the correlation between Vitamin D levels and a variety of diseases including diabetes, NAFLD with fibrosis and obesity, etc. As you may already know, Fatty Liver (NAFLD) is often found in people suffering from obesity or type 2 diabetes. But how about Vitamin D? Recent studies have also shown that Vitamin D supplementation, especially for people with Vitamin D deficiency, will help with Fatty Liver. So what makes Vitamin D so important for Fatty Liver? Also, Should you take Vitamin D supplements with Fatty Liver? Jump to: Recommended Vitamin D supplements.
A quick survey of Facebook Fatty Liver support group gave credence to the fact that a majority of people suffering from Fatty Liver also have low levels of Vitamin D. Exactly what the other studies are also discovering
Before we move forward, let me remind you that while I reversed my Fatty Liver and have helped many reduce weight and reverse their fatty liver, I am not a doctor. Incidentally, I was already on doctor-prescribed Vitamin D supplements for another issue and I now realize that that supplementation may have helped me reverse my fatty liver. The article below is based on my research and it aims to provide you with a point of view. Also, it gives you some discussion points next time you visit your doctor. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor – someone who is familiar with your medical history – before starting any supplementation.
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Benefits of Vitamin D for the Body
Before we answer the main question – should you take Vitamin D supplements for NAFLD, you must first understand why Vitamin D is so vital for the body. We need to also understand why Vitamin D is relevant at all for Fatty Liver or Liver Fibrosis. It is general knowledge that Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, thus helping in building and strengthening bones. However, recent studies have shown Vitamin D to provide much more versatile benefits.
#1. Boosts Metabolism & Helps With Weight Loss
Several recent studies indicate that getting enough Vitamin D helps regulate metabolism and enhances weight loss.
#2. Anti-inflammatory
Vitamin D supplementation has been known to improve lipid profile and reduce body inflammation. In fact, this study concludes that Vitamin D can reduce inflammation in chronic liver diseases.
#3. Regulate Mood and Reduce Depression
Vitamin D may also play an important role in regulating mood and reducing the risk of depression.
#4. Supports Immune Health
Increasingly, studies have shown that people not having an adequate amount of Vitamin D in the system might be at increased risk of infections, auto-immune diseases, and even Fatty Liver disease.
#5. Anti-proliferative and Anti-fibrotic
Another study shows that the metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties of vitamin D provide plausible mechanisms by which vitamin D may reduce the impact of the various steps of NAFLD disease progression and severity. In fact, some studies suggest that Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the rate of fibrosis in the liver.
When Should You Take Vitamin D Supplements With Fatty Liver
This is a two-part question, fortunately with one single answer. The first part of the question is “Should you take Vitamin D supplements with Fatty Liver” and the second part is “When is it appropriate for you to consider taking Vitamin D supplementation”.
According to this study in 2019, low Vitamin D and Fatty Liver / NAFLD exist at the same time too often to ignore. However, it is also true that in some cases, you may have Fatty Liver even when you do not have Vitamin D deficiency. In general, Vitamin D levels should lie within 20 ng/ml to 50 ng/mL.
So, the answer is clear – “Take Vitamin D supplementation only if you have a Vitamin D deficiency”. The right Vitamin D levels in the body are not only beneficial to the Liver, but they also help with a lot of other bodily functions. If however, your Vitamin D levels are already within the recommended range, you do not need to take additional supplements.
Supplementation is needed only when you are Vitamin D deficient. If your doctor hasn’t checked your levels, please get that checked next. Also, Vitamin D supplementation can interact with other medications you may be taking. Consult your doctor!
How Much Vitamin D Supplement You Should Take With Fatty Liver?
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Finally, it is important to take the right amount of supplementation. If you visit any store, you will find Vitamin D tablets ranging from 500IU to 50,000IU. Which one should you go for and how often should you take it? I wish I could answer here, however, it depends entirely upon your situation and what your Vitamin D levels are. Personally, I have gone from consuming 50,000IU once a week to 1000IU daily. Your doctor holds the key to this question, especially because Vitamin D supplements can interact with some of the other medications you are taking. So please check with your doctor.
Recommended Vitamin D Supplements
Here are some of the Vitamin D brands I have tried (#affiliate links):
- Forest Leaf Vitamin D(50,000 IU) [I take these once a week, and highly recommend them]
- Now Vitamin D3 (50,000 IU)
- NatureMade Vitamin D3 (1000 IU)
Conclusion
Vitamin D supplementation is a must when your Vitamin D levels are low. Low Vitamin D levels have shown a strong correlation with Fatty Liver disease. My recommendations:
- If you have Fatty Liver, make sure you ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D levels.
- If your Vitamin D levels are low, discuss the right dosage with your doctor and check again after 3 months or so.
- If your Vitamin D levels are within the recommended range, you do not need to take supplements.
Personally, I have tried the above Vitamin D supplements and seen good results.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360993
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4323447/
- https://eglj.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43066-020-00033-z
- https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/05080/vitamin_d_supplementation_for_nonalcoholic_fatty.78.aspx
- https://www.dovepress.com/the-impact-of-vitamin-d-in-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-a-cross-s-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DMSO
- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(12)00622-2/pdf
- https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/clinmedicine/13/6/576
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.