Sunlight Exposure Reduces Risk of MS
Two studies suggest that the amount of sunlight a pregnant woman gets and the amount of sunlight her subsequent child gets may both play a role in the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). The first study found that “Region of birth and low maternal exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) in the first trimester are independently associated with subsequent risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring.” The region is important because there is more sunlight and ultraviolet radiation in regains closer to the equator.
The second study found that “higher sun exposure during childhood and early adolescence is associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis. Insufficient ultraviolet radiation may therefore influence the development of multiple sclerosis.”
Both studies suggest that vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is important in preventing MS. Parents and those expecting will want to ensure that they and their children get plenty of sunlight.
Sorry about that, the correction has been made. The link is: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12907484.
Thank you for pointing that out.
The first study, Low maternal exposure to ultraviolet radiation in pregnancy, month of birth, and risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring: longitudinal analysis, Judith Staples, student1, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, professor2, Lynette Lim, biostatistician1, is great.
The link to the second abstract dumps me in pubmed.gov without identifying the paper. Can you please check the link?
Thanks