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

ObjectiveThis 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.MethodsData 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.ResultsLower 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.ConclusionVitamin 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.