The role of Vitamin D3 deficiency in hepatitis C treatment: a systematic review

Dominik Malicki, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Wiktoria Bisaga, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Aleksandra Sternak, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Natalia Wrześniewska, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Adrian Nowak, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Aleksandra Jabłońska, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Weronika Stępień, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Jakub Janczura, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global health burden, often leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in immune regulation, liver metabolism, and inflammation, with deficiency frequently observed in patients with chronic liver disease, including HCV. This systematic review explores the prevalence and impact of Vitamin D3 deficiency in HCV infection, its association with disease progression, and its potential influence on treatment outcomes. While some studies suggest that low Vitamin D3 levels may impair antiviral responses, findings remain inconclusive, especially with current direct-acting antivirals. Genetic polymorphisms and interactions with other micronutrients may further modulate these effects. Although Vitamin D supplementation shows promise, its therapeutic value in HCV management requires further investigation through large-scale, genotype-specific clinical trials.

Keywords: HCV. Hepatitis C. Vitamin D3 deficiency. DAAs.