New link between vitamin D deficiency and MS identified

Researchers have identified a link between chronic vitamin D deficiencies and an elevated risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

A new study led by researchers at McGill University in Canada has provided evidence that people who are genetically predisposed to having low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop MS – the first time a causal link has been suggested.

Researchers used data from two large genetic studies to draw these conclusions, the first being a European study of 34,000 people's genes associated with vitamin D deficiency, and the second involving 14,498 people with MS and 24,091 controls.

Four genetic variants closely associated with vitamin D levels were found, with people carrying these variations also being at a higher risk of developing MS.

This provides firm evidence supporting the potential link between vitamin D and MS that has been discussed for a number of years.

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, head of biomedical research at the MS Society, said: "This large-scale study is an exciting step towards understanding more about the complex nature of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to it."