Many individuals realize the positive effects of vitamin D, and how the nutritional supplement can keep bones strong and healthy in addition to treating certain pains. However, a new study is suggesting that patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) in addition to having low vitamin D levels may also suffer from physical disabilities or cognitive impairment.

Researchers from the University of Buffalo have found that the majority of MS patients also had insufficient vitamin D levels, which could have been a contributing factor to the severity of their symptoms.

After reviewing 136 MS patients, the scientists discovered that those who performed lower on tests such as critical reasoning and abstract thinking also had lower levels of vitamin D in their blood.

The researchers were quick to point out that this is another indicator of how the nutritional supplement can be beneficial to the body, as it can serve as a natural treatment for certain diseases.

“This relationship held true when controlling for the season during which vitamin D was measured, as well as depression, which is known to be associated with lower vitamin D levels,” said Sarah Morrow, M.D.