Sun Exposure May Play a Role in MS Risk

Key clinical point: Low sun exposure increases the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) both directly and indirectly, which impacts vitamin D levels. Low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency may be different risk factors acting synergistically.

Major finding: Low exposure to sunlight was associated with a 26% and 10% higher risk for MS through direct and indirect effects on the vitamin D levels, respectively. About 30% of the total effect of low sun exposure-related MS risk was mediated by vitamin D deficiency.

Study details: The data were obtained from two population-based case–control studies (7,069 cases; 6,632 matched controls).

Disclosures: The research was supported by grants received from the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Swedish Brain Foundation, and the Swedish Society for Medical Research. Some of the investigators reported receiving grants and personal fees from multiple pharmaceutical companies.

Citation: Hedström AK, et al. J Neurol. 2019 Dec 12. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09677-3.

Key clinical point: Low sun exposure increases the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) both directly and indirectly, which impacts vitamin D levels. Low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency may be different risk factors acting synergistically.

Major finding: Low exposure to sunlight was associated with a 26% and 10% higher risk for MS through direct and indirect effects on the vitamin D levels, respectively. About 30% of the total effect of low sun exposure-related MS risk was mediated by vitamin D deficiency.

Study details: The data were obtained from two population-based case–control studies (7,069 cases; 6,632 matched controls).

Disclosures: The research was supported by grants received from the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Swedish Brain Foundation, and the Swedish Society for Medical Research. Some of the investigators reported receiving grants and personal fees from multiple pharmaceutical companies.

Citation: Hedström AK, et al. J Neurol. 2019 Dec 12. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09677-3.

Key clinical point: Low sun exposure increases the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) both directly and indirectly, which impacts vitamin D levels. Low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency may be different risk factors acting synergistically.

Major finding: Low exposure to sunlight was associated with a 26% and 10% higher risk for MS through direct and indirect effects on the vitamin D levels, respectively. About 30% of the total effect of low sun exposure-related MS risk was mediated by vitamin D deficiency.

Study details: The data were obtained from two population-based case–control studies (7,069 cases; 6,632 matched controls).

Disclosures: The research was supported by grants received from the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Swedish Brain Foundation, and the Swedish Society for Medical Research. Some of the investigators reported receiving grants and personal fees from multiple pharmaceutical companies.

Citation: Hedström AK, et al. J Neurol. 2019 Dec 12. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09677-3.