Relationship between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Vitamin D Nutritional Status in Extreme Obesity

Abstract EN

Aim.

To evaluate the relationship of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with nutritional status of vitamin D in extreme obesity.

Methods.

Descriptive cross-sectional study in individuals with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), aged ≥ 20 years to < 60 years.

Data were obtained for weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels.

Vitamin D analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the cutoff points used for its classification were < 20 ng/mL for deficiency and 20–29.9 ng/ml for insufficiency.

NAFLD gradation was conducted through histological evaluation by liver biopsy.

Results.

The sample is comprised of 50 individuals (86% female).

BMI and average weight were 44.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2 and 121.4 ± 21.4 kg, respectively.

Sample distribution according to serum 25(OH)D levels showed 42% of deficiency and 48% of insufficiency.

The diagnosis of NAFLD was confirmed in 100% of the individuals, of which 70% had steatosis and 30% had steatohepatitis.

The highest percentage of 25(OH)D insufficiency was seen in individuals with steatosis (66%/n=21) and steatohepatitis (93%/n=16).

All individuals with steatohepatitis presented VDD (p<0.01).

Conclusion.

The results of this study showed high prevalence of serum 25(OH)D inadequacy in individuals with class III obesity, which worsens as the stage of liver disease progresses.