Sun Exposure In Infancy And Pregnancy May Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Relapses In Children: Study

New research suggests that children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience fewer relapses if they were exposed to safe amounts of summer sunlight as infants. Further, maternal sun exposure during pregnancy—particularly in the second trimester—also appears to offer protective benefits against the progression of MS in children, according to a study published on February 12 in the journal Neurology.

The Role of Sun Exposure in MS Risk Reduction

Lead study author Dr Gina Chang, a neurology resident at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explains how sun exposure can lower MS progression.

“It is important not to spend too much time in the sun without protection. However, greater exposure to sunlight has been tied in previous research to a lower risk of developing MS in childhood,” Dr Chang explained. “Our study found that greater sun exposure during early development may also be beneficial in helping to reduce disease activity in children who are later diagnosed with MS.”

Study Findings: Sunlight’s Protective Effect

The study analyzed 334 children and young adults, aged 4 to 21, who had developed a childhood form of MS within four years of enrolling in the research. Their symptoms were tracked for a median of 3.3 years, meaning that some participants were observed for even longer periods.

Results showed that 62 per cent of the children had experienced MS relapse—defined as new or recurring symptoms lasting at least 24 hours, occurring at least 30 days after a prior MS attack, and unrelated to fever or infection. The researchers also collected data from parents or guardians about the child’s and mother’s sunlight exposure, clothing habits, and sunscreen use.

After adjusting for several factors, including the use of sun protection, the researchers found that infants who received at least 30 minutes of daily summer sunlight had a 33% lower risk of MS relapse. Furthermore, when mothers experienced the same level of sun exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy, their children’s risk of relapse was reduced by 32 per cent.

“These findings suggest that sun exposure in early childhood may have long-lasting benefits on the progression of childhood-onset MS,” Dr Chang said.

Additional Measures to Reduce MS Progression

While sunlight exposure may play a protective role, experts recommend additional measures to help manage and potentially reduce MS relapses in children:

- Vitamin D Supplementation: Since sun exposure boosts vitamin D levels, which play a crucial role in immune regulation, supplementation may be beneficial, especially in regions with limited sunlight.

- Healthy Diet: A nutrient-rich diet, including omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, can support brain and immune health.

- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps improve strength, coordination, and overall well-being in children with MS.

- Adequate Sleep: Good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining immune function and reducing fatigue, a common MS symptom.

- Stress Management: Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help lower stress, which may contribute to flare-ups.

- Medical Follow-ups: Regular check-ups with neurologists ensure timely interventions and treatment adjustments.

Future Research and RecommendationsDr Chang further explains the need for further research to understand how sun exposure at different life stages influences MS progression. “Future studies should examine the effects of sun exposure before and after MS diagnosis to refine recommendations and explore potential clinical trials,” she added.

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