Higher levels of vitamin D may support joint health and skin health, as a new study found that individuals with autoimmune disorders affecting these body systems are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency.

The nutrient has previously been implicated in immune health. Medical professionals have long recognized that vitamin D plays an important role in supporting this system. However, few studies have ever connected it with autoimmune disorders.

For the study, researchers tested the vitamin D levels of 302 individuals from Canada who were being treated for autoimmune conditions affecting skin and joint health. The results showed a much higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in these patients than in the general population.

"Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread concern," said Dafna Gladman, the University of Toronto researcher who led the study. He added that patients suffering from autoimmune joint and skin conditions may benefit from getting higher levels of the nutrient in their diets.

Vitamin D can be found in oily fish like salmon or tuna as well as in nutritional supplements.