Higher levels of sun exposure in children have been associated with a reduced risk of IBD, according to research conducted in Melbourne.

The findings, published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, support other observations that IBD incidence is higher in higher latitudes and in areas of lower ambient UV radiation.

The study of 99 children aged 0-17 years with IBD and 396 matched controls found every 10-minute increment in sun exposure was associated with a 6% lower risk of developing IBD.

Achieving a darker tan after a 2-week holiday was also associated with reduced odds of being an IBD case.

The association with sun exposure strengthened with increasing age.

Lead researcher Professor Robyn Lucas, from the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at ANU, said an extra half hour a day in the sun lowered the risk of developing IBD by almost 20%.

“Taking children to play outside in the sun could be life-changing,” Professor Lucas said.

“We already know that sunshine affects the immune system in ways that could decrease IBD – but we don’t know the exact pathways. But our research suggests that getting outside and into the sunshine is a good thing when it comes to preventing this terrible disease.”

“IBD is becoming more common and children are getting it at younger ages,” said Professor Lucas.

Dr Lucas says it was still important for Australians to be sun-smart.

“Everyone needs a bit of sun exposure every day or at least most days of the week. But we are not talking about sunbaking or getting sunburnt,” she said.