Sun Exposure in Teen Years May Delay Onset of MS: Study
Sun Exposure in Teen Years May Delay Onset of MS: Study
By Amy Norton
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- People with multiple sclerosis tend to develop it later if they had regular sun exposure as teenagers, a new study suggests -- adding to evidence linking the disease to a lack of sunlight and vitamin D.
The study found that sun exposure during adolescence seemed to influence the age at which people developed MS: The more summer sun they soaked up, the later their symptoms appeared.
Of nearly 1,200 Danish adults with MS, those who'd spent time in the sun every summer day developed symptoms two years later, on average, versus people who'd gotten less sun.
The findings do not mean that basking in the sun will prevent or treat MS, experts stressed.
But the results do support past research suggesting that vitamin D plays some role in the disease, according to Nicholas LaRocca, vice president of health care delivery and policy research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in New York City.
Sunlight triggers the body's synthesis of vitamin D, and some studies have linked both sun exposure and higher levels of vitamin D in the blood to a lower risk of multiple sclerosis.
No one knows if that's a cause-effect relationship. But clinical trials are underway to see whether vitamin D supplements can help slow MS progression, said LaRocca, who was not involved in the current study.
Until those trial results are in, it's too soon to make any specific vitamin D recommendations, according to LaRocca.
But, he added, since adequate vitamin D is important for overall health, people with MS could talk to their doctors about taking a supplement.
"They may be advised to have their vitamin D level tested first," LaRocca said.
Multiple sclerosis involves an abnormal immune system attack on the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spine. That leads to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Typically, MS symptoms flare up periodically, followed by periods of remission. Over time, the disease can cause worsening problems with walking and mobility.
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- People with multiple sclerosis tend to develop it later if they had regular sun exposure as teenagers, a new study suggests -- adding to evidence linking the disease to a lack of sunlight and vitamin D.
The study found that sun exposure during adolescence seemed to influence the age at which people developed MS: The more summer sun they soaked up, the later their symptoms appeared.
Of nearly 1,200 Danish adults with MS, those who'd spent time in the sun every summer day developed symptoms two years later, on average, versus people who'd gotten less sun.
The findings do not mean that basking in the sun will prevent or treat MS, experts stressed.
But the results do support past research suggesting that vitamin D plays some role in the disease, according to Nicholas LaRocca, vice president of health care delivery and policy research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in New York City.
Sunlight triggers the body's synthesis of vitamin D, and some studies have linked both sun exposure and higher levels of vitamin D in the blood to a lower risk of multiple sclerosis.
No one knows if that's a cause-effect relationship. But clinical trials are underway to see whether vitamin D supplements can help slow MS progression, said LaRocca, who was not involved in the current study.
Until those trial results are in, it's too soon to make any specific vitamin D recommendations, according to LaRocca.
But, he added, since adequate vitamin D is important for overall health, people with MS could talk to their doctors about taking a supplement.
"They may be advised to have their vitamin D level tested first," LaRocca said.
Multiple sclerosis involves an abnormal immune system attack on the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spine. That leads to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Typically, MS symptoms flare up periodically, followed by periods of remission. Over time, the disease can cause worsening problems with walking and mobility.
