Studies show that both childhood and maternal sun exposure are associated with lower rates of multiple sclerosis recurrence.
A new study also found similar protection benefits to mothers during pregnancy, showing that 30 minutes of daily sunlight exposure during the first summer of a child reduces the risk of recurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) It may be.
Pediatric MS is also known as pediatric multiple sclerosis (POMS), and refers to multiple sclerosis, usually diagnosed in children and adolescents before the age of 18, accounting for up to 5% of all MS cases. The body’s immune system accidentally attacks the central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and a wide range of other symptoms.
Reduced risk of MS recurrence in children
A new study published in Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation suggests that daily sunlight exposure may benefit children with pediatric sclerosis. (ages 4-21) He was diagnosed with childhood onset MS from 2011 to 2017, with an average follow-up of 3 years.
We experienced at least one recurrence, just over 60%. This is defined as a new or recurrent condition that lasts at least 24 hours, occurs at least 30 days apart, and is not associated with fever or infection.
After adjusting for factors such as tobacco exposure, birth season, type of MS medication, and sunscreen practices, correlations were found in this study. Children who received at least 30 minutes of sun exposure every day in the first summer had a 33% lower risk of risk. Recurrence compared to people who are exposed to less sunlight.
Additionally, mothers of participants during the second trimester were associated with at least 30 minutes of solar exposure with a 32% lower risk of MS recurrence in children.
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Later solar exposure and ultraviolet rays had no significant impact on the risk of recurrence.
“The idea that sun exposure in pregnant mothers can affect the risk of recurrence in later children is fascinating,” says Ascendant New York chief medical advisor and diplomacy of the American Psychiatry Board. Officer Michael Genovese, PhD, is not part of the research, the Epoch Times said. “It raises interesting questions about how early environmental factors shape immune health.”
Because this was an observational study, we were unable to establish causal relationships, but only related.
Genovese pointed to an important limitation of this study. He explained that parental reliance on past solar exposures “always not the most reliable data.” He called for further studies using measurable vitamin D levels and using long-term follow-up to validate the findings.
Vitamin D connection
Although patients’ solar exposure history is not a major determinant of MS management, Dr. Achilles Natranos, Beverly’s neurologist and MS specialist, can provide valuable context. Hills, California, told the Epoch Times.
“Sunlight helps produce vitamin D, also known as “sunlight vitamins.” And research suggests that proper vitamin D can reduce MS disease activity,” says Ntranos. This is for patients with low vitamin D levels or living in areas with limited sunlight, he added, “we might consider supplementing vitamin D as part of our overall management strategy.” .
Add the sun to evidence that links it to MS risk
This study adds to growing studies suggesting that sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels may affect the prevention and management of MS.
Chang notes that future research should examine how time in the Sun age at other times before and after the MS diagnosis can affect the course of the disease, and that children living with their condition should live He said it would better guide sunlight exposure recommendations and help design potential clinical trials. For now, experts are balancing the benefits and risks of exposure to sunlight and recommend considering vitamin D intake as part of a comprehensive MS care plan.
“Balance is important. Many suns come with risks, so you need to keep that in mind and make recommendations,” Genovese said.
