Vitamin D could improve liver treatments (Photo Credit: Creative Commons)

One of the most impressive human traits is our persistent drive for innovation.  Innovation drives medical research and technology.  Medical technology has brought another key advancement to the liver health scene by taking a second look at the benefits of vitamin D.   It has been  discovered that vitamin D does more than encourage calcium absorption, but it also helps to prevent liver diseases.

The two Israeli research teams behind this discovery could not be more thrilled. In the modern day quest for cancer cures, the discovery that an easily accessible vitamin may contribute in preventing hepatitis C and cirrhosis (the most common precursors to liver cancer),  increases hope considerably.

While quite a number of treatments have already been developed to curb the spread of cancer cells, strong concerns regarding their side effects have prompted further research on cancer treatments which promise fewer,  or at least less stressful side effects.

Researchers at Rabin Medical Center have taken on this challenge. They explored vitamin D’s known health benefits, especially with regards to disease prevention, and observed its effects on hepatitis C.

These teams learned that vitamin D stops all virus activities and promotes regeneration of cells damaged by cirrhosis. Furthermore, they discovered that the liver has a natural mechanism  producing vitamin D,  which in turn improves the immune system and inhibits progress of the virus.

The research shows that vitamin D works in the liver by increasing its natural production of interferons, proteins secreted by the immune system that respond and repress pathogens that enter the body. This natural reaction to vitamin D could be enhanced so that the interferons could weaken, and even destroy the hepatitis C virus.

Vitamin D’s abating effect on hepatitis C virus opens the door for patients to take hepatitis C or cirrhosis treatments at a lesser dosage, thus incur less straining side effects.  To millions of people carrying the physical and emotional weight of these diseases,  options that minimize the burden on the liver is welcome relief.