Vitamin D link to MS grows

A RARE variable gene which causes reduced levels of vitamin D appears to be directly linked to multiple sclerosis, according an Oxford University study.

UK and Canadian scientists identified the mutated gene in 35 parents of a child with MS and, in each case, the child inherited it.

The mutated gene affects a key enzyme which leads people with the variant to have lower levels of vitamin D, adding weight to the suggested link between vitamin D and MS.

The likelihood of this gene’s transmission being unconnected to the MS is billions to one against, the researchers say.

Dr Doug Brown, head of biomedical research at the MS Society, said: “This is an important development and shines more light on the potential role of vitamin D deficiency on increasing the risk of developing MS.”