Modulation of magnesium intake on the association between vitamin D deficiency and severe hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese individuals

This study aimed to explore the association between serum vitamin D and/or dietary magnesium intake levels and severe hepatic steatosis. This cross-sectional study collected data from 2,874 individuals in the NHNAES database between 2017 and 2018. Variables were subjected to weighted univariate logistic regression analysis, and variables with p<0.05 were selected for weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis. The stepwise backward method was then used, and variables with p<0.05 in the weighted multivariate logistic model were retained as confounding factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the effect of magnesium intake and/or vitamin D level on the risk of hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese individuals. Subgroup analysis was stratified by age, gender, BMI, and complications. The respective odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The risk of severe hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese individuals was increased in those with deficient serum vitamin D levels (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.13-2.57). No significant correlation between dietary magnesium intake level and severe hepatic steatosis was observed in overweight and obese individuals (all p>0.05). However, an increased risk of severe hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese individuals was found in those with deficient dietary magnesium intake and deficient serum vitamin D compared to those with sufficient serum vitamin D (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.20-2.89). Deficient magnesium intake in overweight and obese patients with low serum vitamin D levels may increase the risk of severe hepatic steatosis, however, future studies are required to verify our findings.