why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Association of vitamin D levels with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in children aged 12–18 years

Date Published: 2025-11-04

Abstract:
This study examines the association between serum vitamin D levels and the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in adolescents, along with potential modifying factors. Data from 950 adolescents aged 12–18 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 were analyzed. MAFLD was defined using hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction criteria. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess their association with MAFLD risk. Stratified analyses were also conducted. Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with higher MAFLD risk (p < 0.001), showing a nonlinear dose-response relationship. Adolescents with 25(OH)D ? 75 nmol/L had a 57% lower risk of MAFLD compared to those with levels < 50 nmol/L. Stratified analysis indicated that the protective effect of vitamin D was more evident in individuals with higher retinol levels, though retinol alone was not significantly associated with MAFLD. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with MAFLD in adolescents, with a nonlinear dose-response relationship modulated by retinol status. These findings underscore the potential role of vitamin D in MAFLD prevention and provide a basis for further prospective or intervention studies.

Introduction:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly named non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a significant chronic liver disease worldwide. A recent meta-analysis revealed that the global prevalence of MAFLD is 30%, reflecting a 50% increase from 1990 to 2019 ( 1 ). This increase presents a notable public health burden ( 2 ). Notably, with the socioeconomic transformation and lifestyle changes, the prevalence of MAFLD in adolescents has shown a significant trend of younger age ( 3 , 4…

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot