On the Ultraviolet Tide blog, we love to explore all things sun safety. Included in that exploration, we discuss the importance of safe sun exposure and protecting your largest organ, your skin. However, a recent study piqued our interest in the potential benefits of limited sun exposure on infants with multiple sclerosis (MS).
What is MS?
According to the National MS Society, MS is a disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brand, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The disease works by disrupting the flow of information between the brain and body causing the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Memory difficulties
- Mood changes
- Mobility issues
- Numbness
- Pain
- Tingling
- Vision impairment
While the exact cause of MS is unknown, there are several risk factors such as genetics, obesity in adolescence, and low vitamin D levels. A potential association between vitamin D and MS is what our team is most interested in exploring in today's post.
The Newest Study
A recent study published in Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology takes things a step further than supplemental vitamin D. Through a questionnaire completed by the participants' guardians, they looked at summer sun exposure and children with multiple sclerosis (MS).
In the study, researchers looked at 334 children and young adults aged four to 21 with childhood-onset MS. The participants' guardians completed a sun-exposure questionnaire on how much time the child and biological mother spent in the sun at various periods of life. Included in the questionnaire were also questions about what kind of clothing and sunscreen they typically wore/applied.
While 334 is a relatively small sample size, they found some fascinating results. Here are their findings:
- 62% (206 participants) experienced at least one relapse during the study.
- 45% (34 out of 75 participants) who had 30 minutes to an hour of daily summer sun during their first year of life had a relapse.
- 65% (118 out of 182 participants) who had less than 30 minutes of daily summer sun exposure during their first year of life had a relapse.
The Findings
Getting at least 30 minutes of daily summer sun in the first year of life may mean a lower relapse risk for children who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, this doesn't mean the children were sitting out in direct sun exposure without kids' sunscreen or sun-protective clothing.
It is important to point out that the study did not prove that sun exposure lowers the relapse risk for children with MS. The study does; however, show an association. All-in-all, we're excited to continue learning more and diving deeper into the impact of safe, limited sun exposure on auto-immune diseases.
Finally, this does not mean you should seek out harmful tanning beds or purposefully increase your sun exposure. There are many ways to gain vitamin D: like doctor-approved supplements and increasing consumption of vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish.
So, What Does This Mean for Expecting Moms?
This isn't the first time there have been studies looking at the potential association between vitamin D and MS. A 2017 article published in Neurology and Therapy noted that vitamin D may not only diminish the risk of MS in the general population but also in children of mothers before and during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
As always, when considering sun exposure, it's crucial to balance potential benefits with the risks of UV damage. Practicing safe sun habits—such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen—remains essential. If you have concerns about vitamin D levels or MS risks, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Resources Consulted
Study suggests sun exposure during first year of life may reduce MS relapses. News. (2025, February 13). https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250213/Study-suggests-sun-exposure-during-first-year-of-life-may-reduce-MS-relapses.aspx
More sunshine in pregnancy, infancy could benefit kids with MS. News. (2025, February 13). http://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-02-13/more-sunshine-in-pregnancy-infancy-could-benefit-kids-with-ms
Next Up: The New SPF Ingredient Seeking FDA Approval
If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission to help support our business.