Study: Sun, Vitamin D Lower MS Risk

People who spend more time in the sun may have a lower risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study finds. The study was done in 4 regions of Australia. They ranged from Brisbane on the east-central coast to the island of Tasmania in the south. The study included 216 adults with early symptoms linked to MS. They were not diagnosed with MS, however. This group was compared with 400 adults who had no symptoms. Everyone was asked about sun exposure, as children and adults. Researchers also measured blood levels of vitamin D and skin damage. People with early symptoms linked to MS had less sun exposure than people with no symptoms. They also had lower vitamin D levels and less skin damage. Risk of early MS symptoms was lower in latitudes farther north. These areas were closer to the equator and had more sun exposure. HealthDay News and Reuters Health news service wrote about the study.