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Let the Sun Shine In (Especially When
Pregnant)
Are you shorter than you had hoped or expected to be?
Well, although genes play a large role in a person's
final adult height, new research suggests that the amount
of sunlight that a woman is exposed to during her pregnancy
may have a lot to do with it as well.
Researchers note that:
Several recent studies have reported a causal association
between stature and month of birth. Perinatal exposure
to sunlight has been suggested as the principal factor
underlying this relationship, although the mechanisms
involved remain a matter of debate.
They analyzed the association of perinatal sunlight
exposure to birth size and height at regular intervals
all the way up to age 26.
"The findings confirmed that pre-natal sunlight
is one of the most significant determinants of height,"
conclude the researchers, although they are unsure of
the trimester of greatest influence.
Early Human Development November 1, 2000; 60: 35-42
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