MS, Vitamin D, and Sun Exposure

Over time several studies on Multiple Sclerosis, Vitamin D, and sun exposure have revealed that these three are related in several ways. Studies have shown that exposure to the sun can reduce your risk of developing MS. An example of how this is shown is how people closer to the equator get more sunlight and have a lower chance of getting Multiple Sclerosis.

 

* Blue is high risk

*Red is Probable high risk

*Dark yellow is low risk

*Light yellow is probable low risk

*Green is North-Growth gradual risk

*White is other risk

 

 

 

 

 

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Researchers have studied people with and without MS in Tasmania for Tasmania has little sunlight. It was shown that Tasmania had a high prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis.

With the connection of Multiple Sclerosis and sun exposure researchers think that vitamin D may have an effect on preventing Multiple Sclerosis. Here are the facts:

• Vitamin D is produced from the skin when it is exposed to the sun

• High sun exposure from ages 6-15 showed a 70% drop in the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

• Higher exposure to the sun in winter decreases risk more than high exposure in summertime

• Some suggest MS is linked to low UV radiation, vitamin D, or both

The color of your skin can also come into play when determining the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. It has shown that fairer skinned people had a higher risk of MS earlier in life.