Increased Sun Exposure in Infancy Linked to Reduced Disease Activity in Children with MS

New research suggests that children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience fewer disease relapses if they received ample sunlight during their early years. A study published in Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation indicates that infants who enjoyed at least 30 minutes of daily summer sunshine in their first year of life showed a lower risk of MS relapses later on.

The study also highlights the importance of maternal sun exposure during pregnancy. It found that children whose mothers had similar sun exposure during the second trimester were at a reduced risk of experiencing relapses. While the findings indicate a correlation between sun exposure and reduced disease activity, the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Dr. Gina Chang, affiliated with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, noted the potential benefits of early sun exposure in combating the progression of childhood-onset MS. She emphasized the need for sun protection, advising that while increased sunlight exposure can be advantageous, precautions are essential to prevent overexposure.

Researchers analyzed health records from 18 MS clinics across the United States, focusing on 334 children and young adults aged 4 to 21 who had been diagnosed with childhood-onset MS. The participants had experienced their first symptoms within the last four years, with a median follow-up duration of 3.3 years.

To gauge sun exposure, parents completed detailed questionnaires regarding their children's sun habits, clothing choices, and sunscreen usage. Among the participants, 62% experienced at least one relapse during the study period, defined as the reappearance of symptoms lasting over 24 hours and occurring at least 30 days apart from previous episodes, without any fever or infection present.

Among those who enjoyed 30 minutes to an hour of daily summer sunshine in infancy, 45% experienced a relapse. In contrast, 65% of children who had less than 30 minutes of sunlight daily faced relapses. After adjusting for additional factors like tobacco exposure during infancy, the season of birth, type of MS medication, and sun protection measures, researchers found that getting 30 or more minutes of sun exposure during the first year was associated with a 33% lower risk of relapse compared to those who received less sun.

The study also examined maternal sun exposure and concluded that mothers who received at least 30 minutes of summer sun during their second trimester saw a 32% reduction in the relapse risk for their children diagnosed with MS.

Dr. Chang expressed optimism regarding these findings, suggesting that early sun exposure might confer lasting benefits for children facing MS. She called for further research to explore how sun exposure at various life stages, before and after diagnosis, might influence the disease's progression, which could ultimately guide sun exposure recommendations for pediatric MS patients and inform future clinical trials.

It is worth noting that the study relied on self-reported data from parents regarding sun exposure and protection, which may not always be accurate.