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It has long been known that exposure to sunlight is sufficient to nourish the body. New research shows that the amount of sun exposure can play a role in determining the risk of stroke.
"We've heard a lot about how sun may be bad for the body, for example in the case of skin cancer. But in the study of sun exposure indicates that there may be some positive outcomes associated with exposure to sunlight," said Leslie McClure, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Alabama , Birmingham as reported from everydayhealth.
Prof. McClure and his colleagues will present their findings February 6, 2012 at the American Stroke Association meeting in New Orleans.
To explore the possible connection between sun and stroke, the researchers analyzed data collected from an ongoing study involving more than 30,000 men
blacks and whites and women over the age of 45 years.
The research team focused on 16,500 participants, which none had a history of stroke or heart disease at the time they enrolled in the study. The study took place between 2003-2007. All study participants underwent a physical examination.
In addition, all study participants had completed a questionnaire about their medical history and where they lived in the past. During monitoring for 5 years, some 351 out of 16,500 have a stroke.
The results showed that those who have a range of low sun exposure to risk 1.6 times more likely to suffer a stroke than those getting more sun exposure.
The research team also found evidence that those living in areas with a cold climate also showed a higher risk for stroke.
"We still do not know what caused the sunlight exposure associated with risk of stroke. There are many hypotheses, but we really do not understand the mechanism," said Prof. McClure.
Areas with exposure to sunlight may also have low vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with a higher risk for stroke.
Another study also revealed that those who consumed more vitamin D had a 11 percent lower risk of having a stroke.
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