Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan in a recent study found that children with the most frequent type of arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), have abnormally low vitamin D blood levels, according to Nunatsiaq News.

The researchers found that those living in northern countries, such as Canada and northern European regions, are more likely to have low vitamin D levels and associated active disease. The analysis also showed a correlation between vitamin D status and arthritis activity as those children with lower vitamin D levels had more active arthritis.