Child-Pugh score correlated positively with BCLC stage (ρ = 0.378, <i>p</i> = 0.012) and inversely with albumin (ρ = -0.565, <i>p</i> < 0.001).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Free and bioavailable vitamin D are profoundly compromised in HCC, reflecting impaired hepatic synthetic function and systemic inflammation. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.