A research has raised concerns by unveiling that lack of vitamin D could be a direct reason of multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers said that it is a matter of concern as there are so many people who do not have proper levels of vitamin D.

Study researchers said that the findings could also explain as to why rates of MS are more in high-latitude regions like Northern Europe, where the sun does not come out easily. Sunshine is the main source of vitamin D.

In the past as well many researchers have suggested a link between lower vitamin D levels and a higher risk of MS. In the latest study, the researchers have shown a genetic correlation that strongly hints towards the link.

The researchers have assessed the DNA of 33,996 participants. After scouring their DNA, the researchers have found four single-letter variants in the genetic code that were closely related with a vitamin D blood marker.

Comparative analysis was carried out between MS sufferers and healthy individuals and then it was found that people having genetic make-up associated with reduced vitamin D levels were at least twice more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The researchers said, “The identification of vitamin D as a causal susceptibility factor for MS may have important public health implications, since vitamin D insufficiency is common, and vitamin D supplementation is both relatively safe and cost-effective”.

Vitamin D generated by sunlight gets converted into the blood marker 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which further converts into the active form of the vitamin known as calcitriol, which acts as a powerful hormone.

Study researchers said that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the blood is the best way to know a person’s clinical vitamin D status.