New research suggests that just 30 minutes of daily sun in infancy may reduce disease activity in children with multiple sclerosis.

A study published in Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation found that children who had at least 30 minutes of daily summer sun exposure in their first year of life were 33% less likely to experience MS relapses. The study also found a 32% reduced relapse risk if the child’s biological mother had similar sun exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Researchers analyzed data from 334 children with MS across 18 U.S. clinics, tracking their sun exposure and relapse rates over several years. They found that only 45% of children with adequate early sun exposure experienced a relapse, compared to 65% of those with less exposure.

While the study does not prove causation, it builds on previous research linking sunlight to lower MS risk and suggests that early sun exposure may have long-term benefits for disease progression. Future research aims to explore the impact of sun exposure at different life stages and its potential role in MS treatment.

Reference: Chang G, et al. Early Sun Exposure and Disease Activity in Childhood-Onset Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation. 2025.