Sunlight can ward off food allergies

Sunlight could help ward off the onset of food allergies and eczema in children.

A study of 7600 Australians by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that those in southern parts of the country were more likely to develop eczema and food allergies than those who lived further north.

Lead researcher Katie Allen said the results support the hypothesis that sunlight, or more specifically vitamin D, may play a role in the development of such ailments.

The study also showed that children aged between eight and nine who lived in Australia's south had a six-times greater chance of having a peanut allergy than their northern counterparts.