New findings – sunlight works against multiple sclerosis
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New findings – sunlight works against multiple sclerosis

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UV radiation not only lowers the risk of contracting the nervous disease multiple sclerosis – it also seems to have a positive effect on its course.

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Stefan Aerni

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According to a new study, UV radiation can have a beneficial effect on the course of MS.–

According to a new study, UV radiation can have a beneficial effect on the course of MS.

Photo: Getty

That the solar radiation with the mUltimate Sclerosis (MS) has been known for a long time. As early as the late 1960s, the US epidemiologist Gil Beebe had been observing soldiers who were stationed with their families all over the world for years. What strikes him: The further away people live from the sun-drenched equator, the higher the risk of developing MS.

As a result, there were repeated indications that this connection was confirmed. Vitamin D, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and regulates the immune system, was blamed for this in advance. But the exact influence of the sun on the insidious nervous disease remained unclear for a long time.

Similar effect to drug

Now German researchers from the MS Competence Network in Münster are shedding light on the darkness: The UV radiation from the sun apparently triggers similar processes in the body of MS patients as the drug interferon. This consists of the body’s own proteins that calm (modulate) the immune system and thus prevent new flare-ups. In addition to the effects of vitamin D, sunlight also seems to have a positive influence on the severity and course of MS. Up until now, it was assumed that UV radiation was primarily able to reduce the risk of illness.

For their study, the German scientists evaluated the data from around 2,000 MS patients from Germany and France – including their place of residence and genetic sensitivity to the sun. The analysis shows that it already makes a difference whether you live in southern Germany or in northern Germany, for example: the active inflammation foci in the brain and spinal cord and the degree of disability increase from south to north. (However, a genetically determined, sun-sensitive skin type can also react in exactly the opposite way.) So should MS patients move south now and soak up more sun?

For Anke Salmen, senior physician at the outpatient university neurocenter of the Inselspital Bern, it is still too early to be able to give concrete recommendations. It was not measured how every single patient had a lot of sun exposure. Rather, the data were derived from geographic variables such as latitude.

Vitamin D supplements can be useful

Salmen, who incidentally contributed to the German study before moving to Switzerland, also advises against the risk of skin cancer to think and always use good sun protection. The neurologist finds it absolutely sensible to supplement with vitamin D – if there is a deficiency.

Sun and MS: The relationship has not yet been fully clarified. “That is why we have to stick to this important topic scientifically,” says Anke Salmen.

(leave)Image legend: According to a new study, UV radiation can have a beneficial effect on the course of MS. Photo: DocPlayer

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