A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has found that vitamin D supplements can counter the painful effects of Crohn’s disease.

Researchers in Canada say their findings suggest a deficiency in the vitamin known to help with immunity can contribute to the disease.

During studies on vitamin D’s effects in mitigating cancer, lead researcher Dr. John White says that results kept revealing the vitamin’s effects on the immune system. Since Crohn’s is caused by a defect in innate immune handling of intestinal bacteria, the team conducted further studies.

They found that vitamin D acted directly on two genes that are known to be linked to Crohn’s disease.

Since Crohn’s is believed to be a genetic disease, researchers say the findings can quickly be put to the test. "Siblings of patients with Crohn’s disease that haven’t yet developed the disease might be well advised to make sure they’re vitamin D sufficient," said Dr. White. "It’s something that’s easy to do, because they can simply go to a pharmacy and buy vitamin D supplements. The vast majority of people would be candidates for vitamin D treatment."

Crohn’s is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and other potential complications.

Vitamin D is widely available in nutritional supplement form. Dietary sources include dairy products, fish and fortified cereals.